riverina Pear

Opuntia elata is a species of cactus found in Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, northern Argentina, and Uruguay.

 Opuntia elata is a fast growing Opuntia with a tendency to branch out. It can reach up to 1-1.5 m in height and spread (occasionally 3 m). The joints may grow straight, white spines up to 3-4 cm long.

The flower is orange to yellow in color, appearing around late spring up to summer. The fruit is club shaped and purple-red when ripe.

Varieties: , Plants of the World Online accepted three varieties:

• Opuntia elata var. delaetiana F.A.C.Weber
• Opuntia elata var. elata – synonym Opuntia anacantha
• Opuntia elata var. obovata E.Walther

Distribution and habitat: The plant can be found at Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Tarija of Bolivia. They can also be found growing at Cuba.