Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica)

View of the prickly pear

La prickly pear it is one of the few cacti that has managed to become naturalized in the warm-temperate regions of Europe. In fact, in the Mediterranean region it is easy to find it growing in the open fields as well as in cultivated land. The problem is that it is invasive, and its possession is prohibited, but since it is also medicinal, it is a plant that is still interesting.

So if you want to know everything about her, here is your special. : )

Origin and characteristics

Opuntia ficus-indica, the prickly pear, can reach two meters in height

The prickly pear, also known as prickly pear, nopal, tuna de Castilla, penco, or taxjillo, whose scientific name is Opuntia ficus indica, is a cactus plant native to America, where it lives from the Canadian prairies to the Strait of Magellan. It reaches a height of up to 4 meters, with highly branched stems. The segments or cladodes are flat, oval, and green in color. These are armed with two kinds of spines: some that are long and hard, and others that are short and thin with a hairy appearance.

Flowers once a year, usually in spring. The flowers are crown-shaped and sprout from the areolas at the edges of the segments. They can be from yellow to red.

Y the fruit is an oval berry with diameters between 5,5 and 7cm and a length between 5 and 11cm. It has a thick, spiny rind, and a pulp full of seeds. It weighs between 43 and 220g.

Can you buy a copy?

The prickly pear is a cactus that, as we said before, is invasive. It is included in the Spanish Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species, approved by Royal Decree 630/2013 of August 2, with the name of opuntia maxima Miller. It grows very fast and also resists drought and diseases very well, which is a very serious problem for those plants that are indigenous. And, although the latter have been able to adapt without problems to the environment, the truth is that they can do very little against the thorns and the rapid development of our protagonist.

Now, despite this, both the cultivation and the commercialization of its fruits are allowed in Spain, since it is a nutritional resource. But it cannot be had in places intended for human activities.

What are their cares?

The fruits of the prickly pear are berries

The following:

  • Location: it must be outside, in full sun.
  • Earth:
    • Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts.
    • Garden: it is indifferent.
  • Irrigation: 1 or 2 times a week. In case of being in the garden, it will be enough to water it the first year.
  • Planting time: in spring, when the risk of frost has passed.
  • Multiplication: the prickly pear is multiplied by seeds and by cuttings in spring or summer.
    • Seeds: direct sowing in a nursery with universal cultivation substrate.
    • Cuttings: a segment is cut, left to dry for a week in the sun and then planted in a pot with substrate.
  • Plagues and diseases: It is very resistant, however, in recent times it has been a victim of the mealybug Dactylopius opuntiae. To avoid problems, it should be treated with anti-mealybugs from spring to late summer.
  • Pruning: it can be pruned whenever necessary, but it is better to do it at the end of winter.
  • Rusticity: withstands cold and weak frosts down to -4ºC, but while it is young it will need protection against hail.

What uses does it have?

Ornamental

The prickly pear is a cactus that, well cared for, is very decorative. You can have it like isolated specimen, although it is used more as protection hedge, especially if the lot is big.

Culinary

  • Segments or young pallets: they are consumed as a vegetable.
  • Fruit: once the skin is removed, they can be eaten as is or candied, salty, sweet, in preparation of sauces for meats or in salads.

How are the thorns removed from the fruit?

The fruit is covered by numerous thorns that are very treacherous: with just one touch you can end up having your hand full of them. To avoid it, We recommend that you follow this step by step when you go to collect them:

  1. Turn your back to the wind, as part of the thorns will be blown away by it.
  2. With tongs, take the fruit, put it on the ground and proceed to sweep it with a brush, broom or resinous plant that is on hand.
  3. At home, run it under running water to remove any remaining thorns. Then it will be enough to peel it and consume it.

Medicinal

Fresh segments heated in the oven are used as a remedy for diabetes, So as emollients placed in the form of a poultice on the affected area. It is also good against gastritis and intestinal colic, for which it is advisable to cook the root and mix it with guava.

Another medicinal use, although not very widespread, is as a remedy for diseases of the lungs, and as an aid in childbirth.

The fruits of the prickly pear are edible

And with this we are done. What did you think of the prickly pear cactus?


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