Florida Semaphore Cactus Naples Botanical Garden

This Note Card features the Florida Semaphore cactus (Opuntia corallicola), a very rare endemic species that is listed as a state endangered species. The plant was photographed at the Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida. The cactus is erect and can reach mature heights of six feet. The plants assume an irregular form as the pads (cladophylls) align themselves mostly on one plane. Each is oblong in shape and nearly one foot long when mature. Like other members of this genus, they are covered by stout spines. Flowering occurs throughout the year. They are a bright orange (almost red) in colour with contrasting yellow stamens. The Semaphore cactus is beautiful and interesting, but its future is uncertain; hopefully, conservation efforts will be successful! The text on the front of the Note Card reads: 'Naples, Florida,' and the back has a brief description of the image. All text, however, may be personalized with the wording of your choice, or simply deleted. The inside of the Note Card has been left blank. Photography by Glenda Motsavage, a Florida-based author and travel writer.