Madagascar "Racatamena" Cactus: Likely Introduced Opuntia

Name Not Recognized

"Racatamena" = local name. No cactus native to Madagascar except Rhipsalis baccifera (mistletoe cactus).

Opuntia (prickly pear) introduced for fruit, escaped like in Australia. Invasive in arid south.

Email photo/description to gregandkat@msn.com for ID. Could be Opuntia ficus-indica, O. stricta, or other.

All cacti (except Rhipsalis) are New World. Madagascar cacti are introductions.

Cactus: Rescuing a Stress-Damaged Columnar Cactus After Relocation; Cactus Spine Injury to Scalp: Medical Advice; Source of Red Dye from Cacti: Cochineal Insects on Opuntia; Milky White Sap on Skin: Euphorbia Latex, See Doctor for Irritation; Planting 12-Foot Cactus Cuttings: Dry First, Orient Later; Texas Cactus Floodlight Sunburn: Orientation Matters; Saving a Rotting Giant Cactus: Surgical Rescue; Cactus Seedling Transplant: Vertical Planting, Popcicle Stick Support, Bottom Watering; Columnar Cactus Top Rot in Low Light: Cold Damage Likely, Photo for ID Needed; Madagascar Bamboo Heirloom: Identification and Care for a Tropical Treasure

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