How do Florida's cactus plants look?

Answer 1

There are a number of cacti native to Florida including Acanthocereus tetragonus, Opuntia humifusa, Opuntia stricta, Harissia spp., Selenicereus spp. and even a Cephelacereus species native to the keys.

Acanthocereus tetragonus, the triangle cactus, is a large sprawling cactus with sharp spines and bright red fruit.

The Opuntia humifusa is a low growing Opuntia with pads and yellow flowers followed by purple fruit.

Opuntia stricta is a prickly pear cactus with yellow/red flowers which is native to coastal areas.

Harrisias are upright columnar species somewhat resembling Cereus.

The Cephalocereus is a small columnar species with a thick coat of hair like spines.

Selenicereus species are vines that often are found on live oak and palm trees. They produce large fragrant flowers at night.

Pilosocereus robinii is a columnar cactus from the keys that is endagered.

Consolea spinisissima is a tree-like cactus native to south Florida with narrow pads and reddish flowers.

Epiphyllums, Cereus, Rhipsallis, Schlumbergias, Zycocactus, other Opuntias, and Hylocereus are intoduced species that also grow in Florida.