Opuntia basilaris, commonly known as the beavertail cactus, is a medium to small prickly pear cactus plant belonging to the Cactaceae family. O. basilaris is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico where it grows in chaparral and desert regions. Each stem of Opuntia basilaris can grow between 2 to 8 inches tall with a half inch thickness. The entire plant is sometimes composed of hundreds of blue gray pad-like stems that branch from one another. Each pad also houses many bristly barbed glochids that easily penetrate skin. Opuntia basilaris bloom in spring to summer time with bright purple to pink flowers. Young steamed buds of the plant have been used by native people of the region as a food source alongside dried fruit and seeds. The inner mucilage can be used as a pain reliever for minor cuts and burns. Opuntia basilaris grows best in full sun to partial shade while sitting in well-draining soils. Water the plant adequately during summer and keep dry during winter. It is a drought-tolerant species and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Allow the soil to completely dry out in between waterings. USDA plant hardiness zones 8b to 10b.
Opuntia basilaris seeds require consistent moisture and humidity to germinate, but the soil should not remain soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain humidity are ideal to store sown pots. Use a well-draining sterilized soil mix. Seeds should be sown directly on top of the potting mixture and lightly covered with a thin layer of the potting mix, just enough to cover the seeds. Germinating pots should be kept indoors, out of extreme light and heat. Ideal germination temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F. Germination typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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All packages will be shipped with basic customs information such as; HS codes, VAT numbers, and properly labeled contents. Unfortunately, The Garden of Set is unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for orders at this time. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know local laws regarding the import of plants, seeds, and plant products into their country. It is also up to the buyer to provide any other customs forms or information required to import plants into their country. If packages get stopped by customs, The Garden of Set will not be able to provide a refund for the purchase. Most of the time packages make it to their destinations just fine, this is for the small minority of packages that get stopped without having all the proper customs information required by the country of import. Purchase at your own discretion.