Family: Cactaceae
Compound: Gru kun
Synonyms: Corynopuntia kunzei, Opuntia kunzei, Opuntia stanlyi var. kunzei, Opuntia stanlyi var. peeblesiana, Opuntia wrightiana
Geographic Origin: AZ, SON, B.C.
Characteristics: A low shrubby and spreading cholla-like cactus between 15-50cm (6-20in) tall, with many short, cylindrical, segmented and jointed stems. Stems can drop and root creating a clonal ring with time. Stems are pale green in color but can turn yellow or red when sun stressed. Each stem has raised tubercles, though they are often obscured by dense spines. Spines are angularly flattened at the base, straight. Flowers are showy and pale yellow, appearing in late spring to early summer. Fertilized flowers develop into yellow fruits which have numerous spines.
Natural History: Found from 152-610m (500-2000ft) in silty, sandy or gravelly soil in flats, on alluvial fans and slopes in low desert.
Cultivation Notes: Rarely if ever available in nurseries. Cuttings can be rooted easily, while seeds likely require scarification to germinate.
For general cactus and succulent propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Unknown
Citations:
Seinet Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Grusonia+kunzei&formsubmit=Search+Terms#
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?page=2&taxon_id=274479