Opuntia from Zion NP

[manz4031]

IMG_0261.jpg (103.13 KiB) Viewed 821 times

I photographed this opuntia in the higher reaches of Zion NP east of the tunnels. From its general lack of spines (although there appear to be some small ones) and its purple flower, I think this is Opuntia basilaris but the Nat. Park Service doesn't list this species as growing in the park. I'd appreciate some other opinions on what this is.

[greenknight]

Does look like it, but it might just be a short-spined O. polyacantha - http://www.utahwildflowers.com/Wildflow ... V7P+e6WA==" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[vlani]

Spinless Opuntias from Zion a hybrids. It is pretty obvious when you see lots of them.

[A. Dean Stock]

The plant in the photo is an O. aurea hybrid. As others have stated, hybrids are "the rule" in Zion.
Dean