Nipple cactus

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Nipple cactus

Nipple cactus

Nipple cactus

Nipple cactus

Morphology

Stem

Spherical, dark green, single or several in cluster, covered with nipple-like projections called "tubercles", 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, grooved on upper side, arranged in several spiral rows; round "areoles" at tubercle tips; central spines 0-4, to 1/2 inch long, often absent; radial spines 10-20, grayish; spines with clumps of minute barbed hairs at bases.

Leaves

Absent.

Inflorescence

1 to several flowers on new growth of current season, at base of upper side of tubercles.

Flower

Funnel-shaped, 1 to 2 inches tall, about 1 inch wide; perianth parts petal-like, in several rows, greenish to pale yellowish, sometimes tinged pink below; tips sharply pointed; stamens numerous, anthers yellow; stigmas 2-5, short.

Fruit

Berries, fleshy, nearly spherical, 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter, red when mature; seeds tiny, pitted, black.

Ecology

Habitat

Dry, rocky prairies, and shallow uplands, most abundant on limestone soils.

Distribution

Central 3/5 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses

Some Great Plains tribes utilized the ripe fruits as food. The Comanche were said to have used the spines as instruments to punish unfaithful wives.

Additional Notes