We just introduced a new cactus to our desert habitat: the beavertail cactus. It is a Prickly pear native to the Mojave Desert.
The beavertail cactus or opuntia basilaris is a unique and prickly pear native to the Mojave Desert, displaying many adaptations to harsh desert conditions. This oval-shaped cactus gets its name from its flattened pads, resembling the shape of a beaver's tail. These pads are typically bluish-green in color, covered with short spines that aid in reducing water loss by providing shade and reducing airflow around the plant. The beavertail cactus is known for its remarkable ability to store water within its pads, allowing it to survive prolonged periods of drought. During spring, it showcases vibrant pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. In addition, this species provides habitat and food sources for a range of desert fauna. Resilient and visually captivating, the beavertail cactus is a fascinating part of the Mojave Desert, with its multiple adaptation strategies to thrive in one of California's harshest environments. The TMAD reached a high of 98F during the summer, and the low of 56F during the same month. The average temp ranged between 60F-82F during the average fall day, according to a thermometer in the greenhouse
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