|
| Identification |
|
Genus
Opuntia
Species
ficus-indica
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
tuna cactus
barbary fig
pricklypear cactus
Family
CACTACEAE
Specimen number
S12006
Data source
GrUnFr p289;MedPl p240;UnVeg p78
|
| Life cycle |
|
Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Annual
Life span
1 year
Annual cycle
Evergreen
Stature
Shrub
Growth form
Various
Growth habit
Not applicable
Overall height
Overall spread
|
| Climate |
|
Sunshine
Full sun
Water
Optimal soil texture
Soil texture 26
Acceptable soil pH
Slightly acidic
USDA hardiness
Not classified
AHS heat zones
Not classified
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
|
| Garden |
|
Suitable for gardens
no
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
Opuntia ficus-indica does best in full sun.
|
| Special qualities |
|
Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
|
| Adverse factors |
|
Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
|
| Herbal medicine |
|
Medicinal properties
irritable bowel relief
prostate reducer
Medicinal parts
Flowers
Fruit
Stems
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
Medicinal notes
The fruit of this plant as well as the leaves and the seed pods are all edible. Its most notable nutritional component is vitamin C. Some of its possible culinary uses include: as syrup and in jam. Opuntia ficus-indica is most commonly used cooked or fresh. Prickly pear cactus (sometimes called tuna cactus and barbary fig) is thought to have beneficial uses as either an irritable bowel relief or a prostate reducer. The flowers and the fruit and even the stems are used to prepare herbal remedies.
|
| Traditional uses |
|
Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Dye color
|
| Cultivation |
|
Propagule
Cutting
Pollination method
Self fertile
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Hardy
Heat requirement
Warm
Fertilizer
Low nitrogen
Time to harvest
|
| Nutrition |
|
Is edible
yes
Culinary uses
Syrup
Jam
Fresh
Cooked
Nutritional value
Vitamin C
Edible parts
Fruit
Leaves
Seed pods
Description of edible parts
2 inch oval shaped, colored green turning to red over time, covered with short prickly hairs, and juicy red flesh
Flavor / texture
has juicy pulp-filled leaves and seed-pods which have sweet fruit surrounding numerous seeds
|
| Horticulture |
|
Horticulture notes
No special fertilization is necessary for Opuntia ficus-indica to produce fruit. It requires warm days for good production. Low nitrogen is required for optimal growth. Propagation of Prickly pear cactus (in some places called tuna cactus and barbary fig) can be achieved using a cutting. This plant may have originated from Central and South America.
|
| Herbarium |
|
Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Opuntia ficus-indica has an annual life cycle. Prickly pear cactus (locally known in some parts as tuna cactus and barbary fig) is evergreen.
|
Page 3305 of 4998
|
family 
