DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF SEEDS . 
129 
OPUNTIA. 
There are upwards of 150 species of the Opun- 
tia or Prickly Pear. Some species grow erect and 
tree-like, while others are procumbent or creep on 
the ground, and nearly all have spines. The up¬ 
right growers sometimes reach a height of 10 feet 
or more. The Opuntia Tuna, for instance, have 
been introduced into Southern Europe, Africa and 
other places where they are cultivated for the sake 
of obtaining Cochineal. The fruit is pear shaped, 
2 or 3 inches long, bright carmine in color when 
ripe, is edible and has a pleasant sub-acid 
flavor, being considered cooling and refreshing. 
Large orchards of these varieties were planted by 
the Mission Fathers throughout Southern Califor¬ 
nia which still stand and yield their crop for the 
market as of yore. 
There are many very beautiful varieties of the 
flat leaved Opuntia, several of which we will de¬ 
scribe in the following list, they will be found to 
be highly decorative and interesting. 
The best soil for Opuntias is loam, *3 coarse 
sand and old lim'e rubbish such as can be procured 
from some torn down wall or building and a little 
well rotted cow manure, all being thoroughly mixed 
together. Like all of the Cacti family they must be 
given perfect drainage to attain a successful growth. 
Basilaris. A pretty variety, forming fan 
shaped leaves, originating from a common 
base resembling somewhat an open cabbage head, 
minutely pubescent, the color being almost purple. 
It blooms during the summer, the flowers are a 
beautiful shade of purple. Each 25c to $1.00. 
Basilaris, Heart Shaped. A beautiful variety 
of the above mentioned, having heart-shaped 
leaves of splendid color. Is generally sold under 
the name "With All Ary Heart.” Each 50c. 
Cylindrica. An upright cylindrical stemmed 
variety with spindle-shaped tubercles, looks like a 
Cereus. The flowers are red, 2-in. in diameter. 
Each 25c to $1.00. 
Cylindrica Crist at a. A contorted monstrosity 
of the above, rare and interesting. Each 75c to 
$1.50. 
Clavata. A dwarf variety with large spines and 
pretty flowers. Fine for small indoor rockeries. 
Each 25c to 50c. 
Frutescens. "Tree Cactus.” A beautiful slender 
sort, forming fine specimens. It blooms freely 
and bears an immense number of red fruit, which 
gives the plant a most attractive appearance. 
Each 15c to $1.00. 
Lurida. This plant is of branching habit, with 
slender stems and short spines. Each 25c to $1.50. 
Microdasys. This is without doubt the hand¬ 
somest of all the Opuntia family. Its flowers are 
golden yellow and the branches which are of a 
bright lively green are thickly spotted with tufts 
of beautiful golden yellow, in appearance looking 
like soft plush. No collection should be without 
this distinct and striking sort. Each 25c to $1.50. 
Monacantha Yariegata. (See cut.) This is 
another beauty, largely grown as a house plant. 
The flat stems are dark green in color, liberally 
marbled and splashed with pure white- The young 
growth is prettily margined with pink. It has but 
few spines and bears bright orange colored flow¬ 
ers. Each 50c to $1.50. 
Opuntia Monacantha Yariegata. 
Senilis. An interesting variety, completely 
covered with long white hairs; often named, 
though not correctly,' "Old Man Cactus.” Each 
25c to $1.00. 
Tuna. Our Mission fruiting variety, the well 
known prickly pear. A very strong grower. We 
supply only cuttings, which root very easily. Each 
25c to 50c. 
PHYLLOCACTUS. 
This magnificent specie is unexcelled for the 
quantity, size and beauty of their flowers which 
comprise all the richest tints of color. They are 
distinguished by their curious flat, broad, leaf-like 
branches, the flowers are produced from the 
notches or indentures along tho edge of the 
branches. When well grown they form attractive 
and striking decorative plants for the house. All 
the species, are readily increased by cuttings which 
should be allowed to dry a day or two after being 
taken off, then place in sand, and water sparingly 
until rooted when they may be placed in small pots 
of rich sandy soil. 
The soil best suited for large specimens is light, 
turfy loam, leaf-mould, well-rotted cow manure 
and sand about equal proportions and well mixed. 
In potting only use a size that will comfortably 
hold the roots of the plant and be certain that the 
drainage is perfect, as stagnant water around the 
roots is fatal to success. 
