, single, or sometimes two or three from each spine-cushion, 1 in.
long, straight, whitish, soon falling off; cushion composed of very fine
reddish bristles and whitish wool; leaves very small, falling early. The
branches become cylindrical and woody with age. Flowers 2 in. to 4 in. in
diameter, bright sulphur-yellow, with a reddish tint in the centre; in
form they are like a shallow cup, the numerous stamens occupying the
middle. They are produced in great abundance on the margins of the
youngest joints, as many as fifty open flowers having been counted on a
single specimen at one time. Fruit pear-shaped, 11/2 in. to 2 in. long,
naked, edible, somewhat acid and sweetish. The flowering season is from
July to September; the native country, Wisconsin to Kentucky, and
westward to Arkansas and Missouri. This species, introduced about twenty
years ago, has only recently been brought prominently before English
gardeners. It is a very ornamental and interesting plant for outdoor
cultivation, and when once established gives no trouble. For the first
year or two after planting it requires watching, as, until the basal
joints harden and become woody, they are liable to rot in wet weather. A
large-flowered form, known as grandiflora, is cultivated in American
gardens.

[Illustration: FIG. 84. OPUNTIA RAFINESQUII.]

O. rosea (rose-coloured); Fig. 85.--Stem erect, branching freely.
Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 6 in., not flattened, with
ridge-like tubercles, bearing on their points small cushions of very
fine bristles and tufts of pale yellowish spines about 1/2 in. long, and
all pointing upwards. Flowers on the ends of the ripened growths of the
year, usually clustered, 2 in. across, bright rose-coloured; they are
developed in June. A rare species from Brazil, and one which, as the
illustration shows, is both distinct and handsome enough to be classed
amongst the most select. It requires a stove temperature.

[Illustration: FIG. 85. OPUNTIA ROSEA.]

O. Salmiana (Prince Salm-Dyck's).--Stem erect, branching freely, the
branches at right angles to the stem. Joints from 1 in. to 6 in. long,
cylindrical, smooth, 1/2 in. in diameter, clothed with small cushions of
soft, short bristles, and one or two longish spines. Flowers produced in
September, 2 in. across, yellow, streaked with red, of short duration.
Fruit egg-shaped, 1 in. long, crimson. This species is a native of
Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1850. It requires