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There are a few exceptions to this in such species as O. Rafinesquii, O. missouriensis, and O. basilaris, which are compact and dwarf, and bear numerous large, brightly-coloured flowers. The fruits of Opuntias, or, at least, some of them, are edible, and to some palates they are very agreeable.
This beautiful species was discovered in the San Francisco Mountains mixed with O. missouriensis, to which it is nearly allied. It is spreading in habit, the joints 3 in. to 4 in. long and broad; cushions ½ in. apart, rather large, with numerous spines, varying in length from ½ in. to 4 in., and short, yellowish bristles. Flowers large, yellow. Fruit 1 in., long, spiny.
A low, prostrate, spreading plant. Joints short, oval, flattened, thicker than in O. missouriensis, 3 in. long by about 2 in. broad. Spine-cushions ¾ in. apart; tufts very small, with, occasionally, a long spine. Leaves fleshy, very small. Flowers 2 in. across, pale sulphur-yellow. Fruits nearly smooth, 1½ in. long, brown when ripe, with a strong disagreeable odour.
Other synonyms are H. missuricus and H. missouriensis. Its native range extends across North America in longitude, and covers many degrees of latitude. It likes a dry soil. In wet soil and wet seasons the flower-stalk is apt to wither in the middle, and the bud falls over and perishes prematurely. H. Lætiflorus.
This plant is not known in English collections, but it is described by American botanists as being attractive and a free grower. As it is found along with O. missouriensis, it ought to prove hardy in England.
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