Download 12coral-cactus-press | 3967.05 KB

Coral Cactus - Opuntia cylindrica
Family: CACTACEAE
The Problem
Coral Cactus is a member of the Cactaceae family and is closely
related to other cactus species generally referred to as Prickly Pears.
Coral Cactus lacks true leaves. Instead, the plant’s stems have been
modified and divided into segments called pads.
These pads have a tough outer skin, which protects the plant from
drying out and being damaged by browsing animals.
Water is stored Inside the stems enabling Coral Cactus plants to
survive and even flourish in extremely dry environments.
Coral Cactus has the potential to greatly increase its distribution and
abundance in south west Queensland, causing economic and
environmental impacts such as loss of pasture productivity, habitat
degradation and increasing soil erosion.
Identifying and Controlling Coral Cactus is a Priority.
Large infestations of Coral Cactus are difficult and expensive to
control. Isolated and scattered plants should be controlled before
they have to opportunity to develop into larger infestations.
Suspected infestations of Coral Cactus should be reported to your
local government pest officer and advice sought on the best
approach to control, particularly for large infestations.
Herbicide treatment, physical removal and mechanical control can be
used to treat plants. Mechanical control methods should be used
with caution, and a follow up treatment program implemented to
ensure any plants that establish from broken pads are treated.
No effective biological control agents are currently available for
Coral Cactus.
Above: Coral Cactus is a branching shrub to 1.5m. The common name is derived from the
distorted branching stems, referred to as pads.
Description
Coral Cactus is a branching shrub, generally reaching a height of 1
to 1.5m.
Flowers are small and scarlet in colour.
Pads (stems) are green in colour and covered in short, white
spines. Mature pads resemble a piece of coral.
Fruit is 2-5cm wide and yellow-green in colour, containing many
small seeds which have a hard coat allowing them to survive
extremes of heat and dry.
Dispersal of seeds is primarily via birds and other animals that
consume the fruit. The majority of seed passes through the animal
undamaged.
Vegetative Reproduction occurs when pads or fruits come in
contact with the ground, take root and
produce shoots.
The spines on the stems allow broken pads to
be transported long distances by wild and
domestic animals.
Above: Infestation of Coral Cactus near Wyandra.
Community Information Sheet No 12
Author: Nathan Kirby, Geodorum Consulting
Floodwaters also damage plants and disperse
the pads, producing new infestations.
Produced by South West NRM Ltd
Updated: April 2007
Report Suspect Cactus Species.
South West Natural Resource Management Ltd, is collaborating with landholders and state
and local governments in south west Queensland to locate and eradicate infestations of
Coral Cactus in the region.
Brett Carlsson, DCQ
Other cactus species such as Hudson Pear, (Cylindropuntia
rosea), Devils Rope Pear (Cylindropuntia imbricata) and
Snake Cactus (Cylindropuntia spinosior) have been recorded
If you think you have coral cactus or other suspect cactus
species on your property contact your local government pest
officer or South West NRM Ltd for advice and information
on what assistance may be available.
Steve Csurhes, QDPI
in surrounding areas but not in the South West NRM Ltd
region. If these species were to become established they
would have significant economic and environmental
impacts.
Hudson Pear (left) and Snake
Cactus (above) are two of the
many cactus species that have
potential to invade the region.
Coral Cactus Distribution,
South West NRM Ltd Region, 2006.
Map based on 2006 Annual Pest Distribution Survey Data supplied by Department of Natural Resources and Water. Compiled on approximately 17 * 17km grid squares.
For further details on this mapping visit http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au
References and further reading.
Department of Natural Resources and Water, Land Protection, 2001, Pest Fact Prickly Pear
- identification and their control PP29.