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Notes for the Genus:
Miqueliopuntia
Etymology -Recognizing Freidrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel, herbarium director at University of Utrecht -NetherlandsMiqueliopuntia is a genus consisting of a single species from the coast of Chile. The plants can be likened to the North American genus Grusonia in growth habit and appearance. Miqueliopuntia plants consist of cylindrical, jointed stem segments with prominent tubercles. Areoles occur at the top of each tubercle and have many glochids. Spines in habitat are numerous and shaggy reaching about 3 inches (8cm) and give the plants an untidy appearance. Spine density is affected by the environment and "softer" conditions results in smaller and less numerous spine coverage. Flowers arise from thick, fleshy floral tubes which closely resemble the stem segments. The flowers may be pink or yellowish green/almost white and are cup shaped. Fruits are globular and heavily armed with spines and/or glochids. Like many Opuntiads, the fruits themselves can be rooted and grown into a separate plant.
In habitat, Miqueliopuntia forms dense, low-growing thickets which can be several feet (meters) across. Plants are rarely seen in cultivation except occasionally among the most ardent Opuntiad collectors.