FNPS Plant Database

Consolea corallicola

semaphore pricklypear, semaphore cactus

Photographs belong to the photographers who allow use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.

Nomenclature

Common Name:

semaphore pricklypear, semaphore cactus

Synonym(s):

Opuntia corallicola

Genus species:

Consolea corallicola

Family:

Cactaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

4-10 ft

Life Span:

long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

red

Fruit Color:

red

Phenology:

evergreen

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Interesting Foliage, Hurricane Wind Resistance, Thorns, Showy Fruits

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

specimen plant

Considerations:

This is an ENDANGERED plant (listed both Florida and US). Please acquire this endemic plant only from a reputable source.

Availability:

FNPS Plant Sales, Specialty Providers

Propagation:

Consolea corallicola has extremely low genetic diversity as the only two natural populations are clones (both functionally male).  Currently propagated by planting pads. 

Light:

Full Sun, Part Shade

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry


Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Short very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Lime Rock

Soil pH:

calcareous (high pH)

Suitable to Grow In:

10B, 11

USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.



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Ecology

Wildlife:

Moths

One of several cactus species that is attacked by the cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum that arrived in Florida in 1989. This invasive moth species has become a serious threat to the diversity and abundance of Consolea corallicola and Opuntia cacti in North America.

Native Habitats:

Tropical rockland hammock, coastal rock barren, freshwater tidal swamp and inland margins of mangrove swamp. (Photographs are of specimens planted at Fairchild Botanical Gardens.)

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Citations:

Chafin, L. G. 2000. Field Guide to the Rare Plants of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, Florida.


Gann, G.D., C.J. Abbott, C.G. Stocking, K.N. Hines, and collaborators. Natives For Your Neighborhood. https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?TXCODE=Conscora , accessed 2025. The Institute for Regional Conservation. Delray Beach, Florida.


Florida Semaphore Cactus ( Consolea corallicola ) (plant profile). https://saveplants.org/plant-profile/?CPCNum=3030 , accessed 2025. Center for Plant Conservation, Wildomar, CA.

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