The Cactaceae Opuntia (prickly pear)

11"x8.25"
Limited Edition
Plate XVIII
 
The Cactaceae: Descriptions and Illustrations of Plants of the Cactus Family (published between 1919 and 1923) by Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose. Illustrated by Mary Emily Eaton (and her contemporary Helen Adelaide Wood) using watercolor on paper.
 
This plate highlights different members of the Opuntia family, specifically illustrating Opuntia drummondii, Opuntia retrorsa with flowers, and Opuntia triacantha joints.
 
Plate XVIII from Volume 1 of Britton and Rose's The Cactaceae is a detailed color botanical print that illustrates four distinct species from the Opuntia (prickly pear) tribe.
 
1. Opuntia drummondii (Figures 1 & 1)
- Common Name: Drummond's Prickly Pear / Cockspur Prickly Pear
- Details: The plate features two separate plants of this species. It is a low, prostrate cactus native to the coastal sand dunes of the southeastern United States.
 
2. Opuntia retrorsa (Figure 2)  This figure highlights the segment joints of the cactus complete with its yellow flower. It is native to South America, primarily found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
 
3. Opuntia triacantha (Figure 3)
Common Name: Three-spine Prickly Pear / Spanish Needle
Details: Illustrated as a series of connected segment joints. This species is native to the Caribbean (including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico) and is known for its small size and easily detached joints.
 
4. Opuntia jamaicensis (Figures 4 & 5)
Common Name: Jamaican Prickly PearDetails: This section shows a detailed view of a joint and a cross-section of its fruit. As the name implies, it is native to Jamaica.