{"product_id":"nasiona-opuncji-streptokanta-opuntia-streptacantha","title":"Streptacantha prickly pear seeds - Opuntia streptacantha","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eStreptacantha prickly pear - Opuntia streptacantha\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eOpuntia streptacantha\u003c\/strong\u003e is a striking cactus from the cactus family (Cactaceae), native to the highlands of central Mexico, where it is known as nopal cardón or tuna cardona. In the wild, it develops a tree-like habit, reaching \u003cstrong\u003e2–5 m\u003c\/strong\u003e in height, with a distinct trunk up to \u003cstrong\u003e60 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in diameter. It is distinguished by large, oval stem segments measuring \u003cstrong\u003e32–40 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in length and whitish, flattened and often twisted spines, from which the species takes its name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth and development characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe plant develops a branched crown of flat, fleshy segments measuring \u003cstrong\u003e23–35 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in width and \u003cstrong\u003e2–3 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in thickness, covered with a delicate waxy coating. The spines are flexible and up to approx. \u003cstrong\u003e2.2 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e long, while glochids are sparse on older segments. With age, the lower part of the stem becomes woody and develops grey, peeling bark. Growth is moderate – when grown in a pot, the plant remains considerably smaller than in the wild and is easy to shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering and fruiting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe flowers are approx. \u003cstrong\u003e5.5–6 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e long and intensely yellow, with a pinkish tinge as they open and fade; they appear along the edges of the uppermost segments. In its native habitat, it flowers in March and April. The fruits are red, elliptical “tunas” measuring \u003cstrong\u003e4–6 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in length, with juicy, sweet, red flesh. Container-grown specimens usually flower only after reaching a larger size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin and natural habitat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe species is native to Mexico (including Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, Durango, Jalisco, Hidalgo, Puebla and Oaxaca) and Guatemala. It grows on dry plateaus at elevations of approx. \u003cstrong\u003e1600–2500 m above sea level\u003c\/strong\u003e, in xerophytic scrub and dry deciduous forests, where it forms extensive stands known as nopaleras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultivation requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eIt needs full sun and a very well-drained, mineral-rich growing medium – a cactus mix with added gravel or pumice is ideal. It tolerates heat well and grows best during the growing season in warm, sunny conditions. Its frost resistance is limited: the plant withstands brief temperature drops to approx. \u003cstrong\u003e-4°C\u003c\/strong\u003e in dry soil, corresponding to \u003cstrong\u003eUSDA zone 9\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eIn the Polish climate, it is grown in a pot – on a sunny terrace in summer and in a bright, cool (approx. \u003cstrong\u003e5–10°C\u003c\/strong\u003e) and dry room in winter. From spring to autumn, water only after the growing medium has dried out completely; in winter, water hardly at all. Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a cactus fertilizer low in nitrogen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrnamental use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eOpuntia streptacantha\u003c\/strong\u003e is an attractive plant for cactus collections, conservatories and Mediterranean-style terrace gardens. Its large, bluish-green segments and pale spines give it a sculptural character, and in warmer regions of Europe it can be grown outdoors in the ground as a solitary specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"mr.seed","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":54314108748104,"sku":"2964","price":9.5,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"10","offer_id":54314108780872,"sku":"2965","price":17.5,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"100","offer_id":54314108813640,"sku":"2966","price":165.0,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/2649\/0440\/files\/Nasiona-Opuncji-Streptokanta-Opuntia-Streptacantha-6.webp?v=1792059969","url":"https:\/\/www.mrseed.eu\/en\/products\/nasiona-opuncji-streptokanta-opuntia-streptacantha","provider":"mr.seed","version":"1.0","type":"link"}