Publication: Monatsschr. Kakteenk. 149 1899.
Description
Opuntia paraguayensis is a controversial cactus species. The protologue as compared to the use of the name in literature revealed that it has been misapplied to Opuntia elata and Opuntia cardiosperma. The type specimen of O. paraguayensis was presumably destroyed in Berlin, in 1943. Another specimen under this name in the spirit collection at Berlin-Dahlem, collected by Hassler, is undoubtedly O. ficus-indica. It is designated as the neotype of O. paraguayensis.
Conclusion: Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., Gard. Dict., ed. 8. 1768 = Opuntia paraguayensis K. Schum. in Monatsschr. Kakteenk. 9: 149. 1899. – Holotype: Paraguay: Escobar, Hassler 1150 (B, destroyed). – Neotype (designated here): Paraguay, Hassler(Balc nr. 1408).
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
- Leuenberger, B. E. “De Herbario Berolinensi Notulae No. 42 - Opuntia paraguayensis (Cactaceae) reassessed” in: Willdenowia 31: 181-187. 2001. <https://www.bgbm.org/sites/default/files/documents/Vol%2B31%2Bp%2B181-187.pdf\>