Growth forms of O. compressa (Salisb.) Macbr. were examined in 5 different habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge region in Florida [USA]. Parameters examined included: plant height, width and length; number of pads; pad temperatures; plant orientation; and spine density. Height growth was greater and pad production less in habitats where tree canopies were relatively dense. Temperatures within a specific pad were observed to vary as much as 3.5.degree. C. Plants showed no preferred orientation, and no relationship was seen to exist between cattle grazing and spine density.