Semaphore Pricklypear

This is an ENDANGERED plant (listed both Florida and US). Please acquire this endemic plant only from a reputable source.

One of several cactus species that is attacked by the cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, which arrived in Florida in 1989, and this invasive species has become a serious threat to the diversity and abundance of Consolea corallicola and Opuntia cacti in North America.



Specimen plant

Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges.



Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray.

Distinctly thorny. Will need protection from invasive cactus moth.

Tropical rockland hammock, coastal rock barren, freshwater tidal swamp and inland margins of mangrove swamp. Photographs are of specimens planted at Fairchild Botanical Gardens.

• Showy flowers, Showy fruits, Interesting foliage, Thorns, Hurricane wind resistance
• Consolea corallicola has extremely low genetic diversity as the only two natural populations are clones (both functionally male).  Currently propagated by planting pads.