Among the many varieties of cacti and succulents that we can find, there is one that stands out especially for its attractiveness and the properties attributed to it: the opuntia prickly pear. We are not exaggerating when we say that it has a thousand names, because we can hear it named in many ways.
Opuntia, prickly pear, prickly pear, pala fig, palera, prickly pear, prickly pear... It does not matter what name it receives in each place, because in any case it is a highly appreciated plant, since both its fruits and the "nopalitos" are eaten. ». If you want to know this variety a little better and know how to care for it, continue reading.
Essential traits of opuntia prickly pear
This is a cactus originating from the Latin American region, including both Mexico and Central America. But it has been spreading to other places in the world, because it is capable of adapting well to environments where the climate is warm, resisting droughts and even nutrient-poor soils.
Doesn't reach too high, but it is characterized by having some flat, segmented green, succulent stems (it is in them where the plant stores water). These segments are known as cladodes or nopalitos, and they can be eaten, as we will see later.
La prickly pear cactus flower stands out for being large and showy, usually in yellow or orange. However, it does not flower much and often only one flower appears at the top of the cladodes.
The fruit of this cactus is prickly pear, highly appreciated for its sweet flavor. It is a small, oval-shaped fruit, whose color varies from red to purple depending on the degree of maturity, and which has a thick skin that is responsible for protecting the pulp from the thorns.
In arid and semi-arid regions the nopal is highly appreciated, because it is of great help when it comes to preserving the soil against erosion. In addition, both its fruits and cladodes are edible, making this cactus one of the most interesting for humans.
Its positive effects on health
The beneficial effects that the consumption of opuntia prickly pear figs and their cladodes or nopalitos (which can be added to salads, stews, and all types of dishes) have on health have been widely studied. Among them we can highlight:
- Source of nutrients. Its fruits are rich in vitamins A, K, C, calcium, magnesium and potassium, which help maintain the proper functioning of the body.
- High fiber content. Both the fruits and the nopalitos provide a large amount of dietary fiber that provides a greater feeling of satiety and promotes intestinal regularity.
- Blood sugar control. There is research that suggests that the consumption of cladodes can be helpful in regulating blood sugar levels among those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Because both the fiber and other compounds in the plant reduce the absorption of glucose by the intestine .
- Antioxidant properties. Its high concentration of vitamin C helps combat oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the body. This benefits overall health and helps prevent chronic diseases.
- Cholesterol reduction. Some studies have shown that the consumption of nopalitos reduces levels of LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol, thereby protecting cardiovascular health.
- Hydration. Opuntia prickly pear figs are a juicy and refreshing fruit that helps the body hydrate, especially in areas where the climate is hot and dry.
Care of the opuntia prickly pear
Its multiple health benefits, together with the fact that this is a cactus that also gives good results as an ornamental plant, make it a good choice for any patio or garden. If you want to have a beautiful and well-cared for shovel fig tree, pay attention to the following tips.
Luz
This cactus needs lots of direct sunlight to grow. However, if you live in an area where temperatures are very high during the summer months, try to find a location that will receive some shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Land
The opuntia prickly pear is used to growing in poor soil. Its only requirement regarding its growing medium is that the soil drains well, because it does not tolerate humidity in its roots.
You can plant your cactus in a special substrate for this type of plants, or mix a normal substrate with a little coarse sand, coconut fiber or perlite, to increase drainage capacity.
Precisely because it is used to growing without many nutrients, you do not need to fertilize this cactus. If you're going to do this, use a slow-release product once a month during the spring and summer months.
Irrigation
As you can imagine, watering has to be very moderate, letting the substrate dry completely between one watering and another. In summer you can give your plant a little water every 10 or 15 days, while during winter it will be enough to water it once a month.
Temperature
This cactus is very resistant. It withstands high temperatures well, but does not tolerate frost as well. If winters are cold in your area, try to protect it.
If you have the cactus in a pot, put it inside the house during the winter, or move it to a porch where frost does not fall directly on it. If you can't move it, cover it with a plant blanket.
Pruning
Although it is best to do this in winter, you can remove segments of your opuntia whenever you consider it necessary, either because it is getting larger than you want, or because it is damaged. The ideal in any case is that cuts from the base of the segment, this way you avoid damaging the plant more than necessary.
Remember to cover your hands well with special gloves for this type of work, because the shovel thorns are quite sharp.
With these simple tips you will have a spectacular opuntia prickly pear, and it will thank you by showering you with its fruits. Do you have this cactus at home, tell us your experience in the comments?