Tiger Pear (Opuntia aurantiaca): A Spreading, Invasive Prickly Pear with Orange Flowers

Tiger Pear is a low, spreading prickly pear with cylindrical to club-shaped segments that root easily where they touch the ground, forming dense, impenetrable mats. The segments have long, sharp spines and glochids. Flowers are a brilliant orange to orange-red. It’s considered a noxious weed in Australia and South Africa due to its aggressive spread. Native to South America, it’s grown only in controlled collections.

Taxonomic Profile

Warning and Culture

Full sun. Well-drained soil. Extremely drought-tolerant. Hardy to 15°F (-9°C). INVASIVE in many regions—check local regulations before planting. Do not plant in ground where it can escape. Contain in pots. Propagate from segments (with caution).