Opuntia compressa Indian fig (Cactaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Opuntia compressa
Indian fig
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Opuntia compressa plant species is found in Northeastern N. America. Naturalized on rocks and walls in S. and S.C. Europe. It is a member of the Cactaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Indian fig. Some home gardeners know the variety as O. humifusa. Raf. O. macrarthra. O. opuntia. O. rafinesquii. O. vulgaris.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Opuntia compressa
Common Name:  Indian fig
Family:  Cactaceae
Author:  (Salisb.)MacBr.

Known Hazards:  The plant has numerous minutely barbed glochids (hairs) that are easily dislodged when the plant is touched and they then become stuck to the skin where they are difficult to see and remove. They can cause considerable discomfort[200].

Mature Height:  0.2   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Rocky bluffs, sand dunes, dry rocky or sandy grasslands.

Cultivation Notes: Requires a sandy or very well-drained soil[160]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 to 7.5[200]. Must be kept fairly dry in winter but likes a reasonable supply of water in the growing season[200]. A position at the base of a south-facing wall or somewhere that can be protected from winter rain is best for this plant. Requires warmth and plenty of sun. Plants tolerate considerable neglect. Plants are very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -30°c[160], but they are intolerant of winter wet. There is considerable confusion over the correct name for this species, several of the synonyms listed above are also applied to other species in this genus.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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