Opuntiales

9.9

A former order of flowering cactus plants that is now part of the cactus family

noun
/oʊˈpʌn.ti.əlz/

Archaic

: Opuntiales

Botanists used to distinguish Opuntiales as a separate order, but this is no longer common.

Examples

Recent genetic studies led to the merging of Opuntiales into the family Cactaceae.
The Opuntiales are known for their unique adaptations to arid environments.
The family Cactaceae was once classified in the order Opuntiales in some botanical systems.
Many gardeners appreciate Opuntiales for their striking appearance.
Recent genetic studies led to the merging of Opuntiales into the family Cactaceae.
The family Cactaceae was once classified in the order Opuntiales in some botanical systems.
Many gardeners appreciate Opuntiales for their striking appearance.

Surface Forms

Opuntiales singular

Opuntiales plural

Morphology

Opuntiales = Opuntia (semi-transparent) = Opuntia + ales

Formally built from the genus name 'Opuntia' plus the taxonomic suffix '-ales'; clear in scientific contexts but not obvious to average learners.

Etymology

Opuntiales comes from the cactus genus Opuntia, the prickly pear. Opuntia was named after an old Greek place called Opus, so Opuntiales originally meant the group of plants 'like Opuntia', which is why it once named an order of cactuses.