Common name: Velvet Tree Pear
Opuntia tomentosa Salm-Dyck APNI* 
Description: Shrub 2–6 m high, erect, often with a trunk and tree-like. Segments obovate, compressed, 15–30 cm long, 6–12 cm wide, tomentose to velvety. Areoles at least 2 cm apart; glochids yellow, 1–2.5 mm long; spines sometimes present on younger segments.
Flowers 4–5 cm diam., orange.
Fruit ± ovoid with apex depressed, 5 cm long, tomentose, red, edible.
Distribution and occurrence: This species was abundant in large areas of Qld, where it formed scrub-like thickets. Localized in some areas of N.S.W., but not widespread. Native of central Mexico.
NSW subdivisions: *CC, *NWS, *NWP
Other Australian states: *Qld *S.A.
Text by G. J. Harden
Taxon concept: Flora of NSW 1 (1990)
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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