Olaga
Opuntia curassavica
- Native to:
- Aruba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Leeward Is., Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles
iNaturalist: © cgbc (iNaturalist #195159290)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cactaceae
- Genus:
- Opuntia
- Species:
- Opuntia curassavica
- USDA Symbol:
- OPBO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Succulent
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange, red
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid coastal regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after warm stratification; sow in well-drained mix.