Opuntia occidentalis
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Opuntia occidentalis

pricklypear cactus

  family cactaceae 
  genus opuntia 

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Identification
Genus  Opuntia Species  occidentalis Variety  Cultivar  Common names  pricklypear cactus Family  CACTACEAE Specimen number  S12005 Data source  UnVeg p78
 
Life cycle
Life form  Terrestrial Life cycle  Annual,Perennial Life span    Annual cycle  Not applicable Stature  Various Growth form  Not applicable Growth habit  Various 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  Full sun is needed for Opuntia occidentalis to do its best.
 
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  Medicinal parts  Has medicinal uses  no Do not self-administer  no Do no use if pregnant  no Legally restricted  no Toxicity precautions  Medicinal notes  The leaves of this plant and the seed pods are both edible. Its most notable nutritional component is vitamin C. Opuntia occidentalis is most commonly used cooked.
 
Traditional uses
Parts used  Traditional uses  Contemporary uses  Fragrance  Fragrance parts  Fragrance intensity    Fragrance category    Dye parts  Dye color 
 
Cultivation
Propagule  Seed Pollination method    Planting style    Crop spacing    Row spacing    Cold frame  3 to 4 weeks Planting period  May 01 - May 31 Harvesting period    Frost tolerance  Hardy Heat requirement  Warm Fertilizer  Low nitrogen Time to harvest 
 
Nutrition
Is edible  yes Culinary uses  Cooked Nutritional value  Vitamin C Edible parts  Leaves   Seed pods Description of edible parts Flavor / texture  has juicy pulp-filled leaves and seed-pods which have sweet fruit surrounding numerous seeds
 
Horticulture
Horticulture notes  May is normally the best time to begin planting. Harden in a cold frame for 3 to 4 weeks prior to setting out. It requires warm days for good production. Low nitrogen is required for optimal growth. Opuntia occidentalis is typically propagated by seed.
 
Herbarium
Tag needs printing  no Collection notes 

Page 3312 of 4998

Last reviewed November 01, 2004   

 

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