Opuntia abjecta
Opuntia abjecta is a short cactus, perhaps to 15(25) cm tall. It occurs in the Florida Keys and has been conflated with "O. triacantha". Recent work shows that the two taxa are distinct. In addition to morphological and phylogenetic (DNA) differences, "O. triacantha" occurs in Cuba, whereas "O. abjecta" occurs in Florida. Currently It is Listed as critically by the IUCN Red List. Details. "O. abjecta" grows on humus over limestone or even on bare limestone. Cladodes are typically 2.5 cm long by 4–5 cm long. The cladodes do not shatter, but do deattach from each other with  some ease. "O. abjecta" is a small plant with radiating branches, a subshrub. Retrorsely barbed spines are reddish-brown as they develop; they mature to pale white (not bright white). Zero to three spines are produced by terminal cladodes. Generally, the spines of "O. abjecta" are shorter than 4 cm. The flower bud of "O. ajbjecta" is rounded (not acute). "O. abjecta" has teardrop-shaped leaves. The seeds are about 4 mm in diameter.