Opuntia macrocentra, also known as Purple Prickly Pear, is an eye-catching cactus variety with striking red-tinged pads and very long spines. The purple tinge is most prominent around the areoles and on the edges, although the entire plant may be purple in winter.
The spines of this cactus are dark black to reddish brown, with whitish or yellowish tips. In the spring and summer, Opuntia macrocentra blooms bright yellow flowers. This cactus likes full sun or partial shade, making it an ideal cactus in almost any environment.
