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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Monday - February 09, 2009

From: Henderson, NV
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Where can I find Opuntia santa-rita?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

Dear Mr. Plants - I'm trying to locate a type of opuntia violacea-santa rita. (Purple prickly pear) Instead of the normal pads, this cactus has rippled pads that almost look like a type of coral. It's stunning! Do you know the name and perhaps where I could buy one in the Las Vegas area? Thanks

ANSWER:

The Purple Prickly Pear Opuntia santa-rita (Santa Rita pricklypear) has several synonyms including: Opuntia gosseliniana var. santa-rita, Opuntia chlorotica var. santa-rita, Opuntia violacea var. santa-rita.

I went to our web page and cilcked on "Suppliers" and this brought up our National Suppliers Directory. I typed in Las Vegas, NV in the appropriate box and got a list of businesses in the vicinity that sell native plants or seeds and provide professional landscape or consulting services. Blue Diamond Nursery on the list sells Purple Prickly Pear. You can also find the plant on the web at the Cactus Store, and Dave's Garden.


Opuntia santa-rita

 

 

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