Opunita humifusa

Description:

I discovered this bizarre Opuntia sp. cactus in amongst native dune grass on Crescent Beach in Siesta Key, FL. It was approx 5-6 inches in height and was bright red and yellow. It had approx 1 inch black spines. There were many of these cacti occupying this sandy habitat, but this individual's coloration was unique. Other cacti in the field had green/yellow pads with black spines and yellow flowers.

Habitat:

Sandy native dune grass on Crescent Beach in Siesta Key, FL. This plant was Approx 50 yrds from the Gulf of Mexico.