Cochineal nopal cactus

• This multibranched tree-like shrub grows up to 4m high.
• The cladodes (flattened to rounded paddle-shaped stems) are 8–40cm long, up to 7cm wide, thick, smooth and green. They have raised white spots called areoles from which clusters of barbed bristles called glochids grow.
• Spines are usually absent as they are bred out in cultivated specimens, but if present are 1–2cm long and may be straight or curved.
• The pink flowers are tubular and 3–10cm in diameter. The filaments (thread-like stalks that support the pollen-bearing anthers) are pink and extend beyond the petals.
• The fruit is 3–5cm long and has areoles bearing glochids. As the fruit matures, it changes from green to yellow to red.

• Prefers tropical and subtropical regions but can persist in arid to semi-arid areas.
• Tolerates a range of environmental conditions, provided the soil is well-drained.

• Has been detected as an ornamental plant in backyards throughout Queensland.

• The shrub primarily reproduces asexually through vegetative propagation.
• Segments (cladodes or pads) fall off or are planted intentionally, taking root in the soil to form new plants.
• New cladodes grow from the original pad. Over time, the plant becomes a multipadded shrub.

Environmental

• Can displace native vegetation and hinder movement of animals and people.

Economic

• Invades and replaces pasture, including improved pasture.

• Birds and animals eat the fruit and excrete seed.
• Animals and floods can move broken pads long distances.
• Plants are bought and sold through the ornamental trade.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

• Before undertaking any preventative or control actions, contact us online, by phone or in person.

• Cochineal nopal cactus is a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. You must not:
  • keep it
  • move it
  • give it away
  • sell it
  • release it into the environment.

If you do any of these, penalties may apply.

• You must not take any action that is reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by cochineal nopal cactus.
• You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by cochineal nopal cactus.
• You must report all sightings immediately using one of these methods:
  • Report online.
  • Phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
  • Phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.