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.

Edible Uses: Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[3, 46, 61, 62, 183]. Sweet and gelatinous[85]. Lean and insipid[95]. The unripe fruits can be added to soups etc, imparting an okra-like mucilaginous quality[183]. The fruit can hang on the plant all year round[160]. The fruit is up to 4cm long and 3cm wide[200]. Be careful of the plants irritant hairs, see the notes above on toxicity. Pads - cooked or raw[62, 160]. Watery and very mucilaginous[85]. Seed - briefly roasted then ground into a powder[62]. It is also used as a thickener[62].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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