My personal favorite in the Opuntia group, O. macrocentra is native to southeast Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas. This plant grows as a low-growing succulent shrub, reaching around 3 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. This makes it a more manageable species than some other members of the group. It is often called the Black-Spined Prickly Pear, due to the long dark-colored spines that grow along the tops of the individual pads. Another common name is the Purple Prickly Pear, as the plant takes on a lovely purple and magenta coloration in response to cold or drought. Warmer temperatures cause it to switch to a blue-green coloration. The purple colors really make this species stand out, making it a great option for an accent plant.

The plant produces edible dark red fruits, and bright yellow and red flowers, adding a lovely color contrast with the pads.

Like most Opuntias, O. macrocentra is covered in tufts of shorter, finer spines called glochids. These cover most of the body of the plant, and are easily dislodged and difficult to remove. It is recommended to wear protective clothing when working with the plant, as the glochids are very irritating.

The plant is easily propagated through cuttings. Simply remove a pad at its joint, allow to heal, and plant!

I grow my O. macrocentras in containers, and they do quite well. They've been my fastest-growing container-grown Opuntias.

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