Scientific name: Opuntia stricta

Description

• Perennial, leafless, succulent shrub, usually 50 to 100centimetres tall.
• Stems are spiny, flattened, leafless, divided into segments (pads or joints).
• Skin is thick, tough, drought-resistant.
• Fruit is pear-shaped, bristly, varies from red to purple, orange, yellow and green.
• Flowers are large, 6 centimetres wide, range from yellow, orange, red, pink and purple to white form seen during spring.
• Seeds are 5 millimetres long, have hard seed coats that allow them to survive heat and lack of water.

Weed status – restricted invasive category 3

Includes weeds, pest animals and noxious fish like gambusia, dingoes and yellow crazy ants.

You must not distribute this restricted matter.

Due to its potential to cause serious economic, environmental or social harm, these weeds are regulated by Council.

We have an annual inspection program for properties in Logan.

Council has the authority to issue a Biosecurity Order to properties with category three restricted matter.

Control method

Manual Removal

Manual control uses hands or hand tools to control weeds.

This can be an effective control as it can minimize soil disturbance and can instantly remove the entire weed.

Herbicide warning

Before using any herbicide always read the label carefully and ensure that the chemical is registered for use on the target weed. All herbicides must be applied strictly in accordance with the directions on the label.

More information

Common pest pear or prickly pear