Opuntia littoralis is a species of prickly pear cactus known by the common name coastal pricklypear. It is sometimes called the sprawling prickly pear due to its short stems and habit of growing close to the ground. "Littoral" means "pertaining to the seashore".

Distribution

Opuntia littoralis is native to Southern California and Baja California, México, where it grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. It is also found offshore on the Islas Coronados, located south-southwest of Tijuana, Baja California and San Diego, California, as well as the California Channel Islands. This cactus is variable in appearance; there are several varieties and hybrids where similar species are mutually found.

Description

Opuntia littoralis generally grows in dense clumps spreading several meters wide and up to a meter (3 ft) tall. The branches are made up of oval-shaped flat segments up to 22 cm long. It is covered in clusters of yellowish spines 2 to 4 cm long. The flowers are pale yellow to dull red occurring in May to June. The fruit is purplish red and up to 5 cm long. The fruit is edible.