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.

General Uses: The following notes are for O. ficus indica. They almost certainly also apply to this species[K]. A gum is obtained from the stem. It is used as a masticatory or can be mixed with oil to make candles[64, 207]. The juice of the boiled stem segments is very sticky. It is added to plaster, whitewash etc to make it adhere better to walls[92].

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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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