0154 



USES. The fruit is refreshing; it's eaten after removing the spines. In northern 

 France cactus is grown only as an ornamental and for variety in temperate greenhouses, 

 because it won't survive outside in the open. 



CULTIVATION. The cactus tree appears in many different shapes, and growers 

 have identified several varieties. One has obround leaves and lacks spines, a second has 

 oblong leaves and bristle-like spines, a third, oblong leaves (thicker than those of the 

 preceding variety) and long yellow spines, and a fourth has long, slender leaves and very 

 long blackish spines. 



The cactus tree is propagated in June from cuttings. Gentle, free soil suits it best. 

 One should take care to put pieces of plaster debris in the bottom of the pot. 



KEY TO PLATE. 



1 . Prickly pear cactus. 2. Longitudinal section of flower to show stamens and 

 pistil. 



