Opuntia robusta is belongs to Opuntia genus that a species of cactus in the Cactaceae family. It is native and endemic to central and northern Mexico where it grows from 1500 to 3000 metres, on rocky slopes, open shrub lands, woodlands.

The species belongs to platyopuntias that is, Opuntias which develop flattened photosynthesizing stems and shoots called cladodes. The stems of Wheel Cactus are much-branched and consist of a series of flattened fleshy segments that are confused for leaves. These segments are silver-blue in colour and almost circular in shape, mostly 20-25 cm in diameter, but occasionally up to 50 cm in diameter. They are hairless and covered in small raised bumps called areoles which bear small yellowish-brownish glochids and 1-12 sharp spines (vestigial leaves) up to 5 cm long. The leaves are reduced to tiny cylindrical or cone-shaped structures. These leaves are quickly shed from the plant.

Opuntia robusta is commonly 1-2 m tall high shrub, but occasionally reaching up to 4 m in height. The large, bright yellow flowers with green tint in the centre are usually 5-8 cm in diameter; they are produced on the edges of the upper stem segments. These are followed by 8 cm long, barrel-shaped edible, fleshy fruits which are green in colour, but they turn pink or dark red as they mature. The dark red coloured pulp in the centre of the fleshy fruit contains large numbers of small seeds. Flowering occurs mostly during late spring and summer.

Wheel Cactus species produces male, female, and hermaphrodite individual, occasionally in the same populations. This species reproduces by stem cuttings and also by seeds. Hardy down to -8˚C for short periods if keep dry. Opuntia robusta is drought tolerant and tolerates neglect, likes full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Although it has naturalised in Australia now is regarded as an environmental weed.

Use in Landscape: Wheel Cactus is a large and very showy shrubby perennial cactus. Easy to cultivate outdoor in warm, dry climates, it is a great choice for xeriscape gardens, desert gardens, Mediterranean gardens and cactus gardens. It is perfect for providing a dramatic accent to any garden design.

Very easy to keep in pots, needs minimal maintenance and even tolerates neglect.