Tasajillo, Turkey pear
Opuntia leptocaulis DC.
Cactaceae (Cactus family)
Description
Tasajillo has cylindric, jointed stems in which the individual segments are › inch or less in length. A member of the Cactus family, the plant has a general brushy appearance and usually grows to less than 5 feet tall.
Tasajillo leaves are tiny; they appear only briefly at each cluster of spines when new segments emerge. The plant produces small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers. The fruit is red, fleshy, globe shaped and less than an inch long. The spines are white, slender and from  inch to 2 inches long.
Tasajillo often reaches the greatest densities along fence lines or under trees, where the seeds are transported by birds.
This plant spreads by seeds, which are relished by wildlife.
Habitat
Tasajillo is most abundant on sandy loam and clay loam soils and is often found in association with honey mesquite.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: Yellow
Seed Type: Fruit/Berry
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Prickly, Spiny, or Thorny
Growth Habit: Succulent/Cactus
Season: Evergreen
Distribution
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Brush and Weeds of Texas Rangelands (B-6208)
Collection: Brush and Weeds
