Climatic Conditions and Geographical Distribution

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
The Opuntias differ astonishingly in hardiness. Some strains of the common prickly pear (Opuntia vulgaris) will grow readily in Alaska and several of the thorny species will endure forty degrees below zero without injury. The best agricultural and horticultural species and varieties are not quite as hardy as the fig, yet are more so than the orange lemon, lime or common blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus). Old plants are very much hardier than the young, soft ones. The Tapuna strain of the semi-tropical Opuntias is the hardiest and bears superior fruit in the greatest profusion and when quite young. The Tapunas seem to be almost as hardy as the fig and will withstand moisture better than most of the others.
Index \| Aggie Horticulture

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

The Opuntias differ astonishingly in hardiness. Some strains of the common prickly pear (Opuntia vulgaris) will grow readily in Alaska and several of the thorny species will endure forty degrees below zero without injury. The best agricultural and horticultural species and varieties are not quite as hardy as the fig, yet are more so than the orange lemon, lime or common blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus). Old plants are very much hardier than the young, soft ones. The Tapuna strain of the semi-tropical Opuntias is the hardiest and bears superior fruit in the greatest profusion and when quite young. The Tapunas seem to be almost as hardy as the fig and will withstand moisture better than most of the others.

Index | Aggie Horticulture