Opuntia erinacea Prickly pear (Cactaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Opuntia erinacea
Prickly pear
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Opuntia erinacea plant species is found in Southwestern N. America. It is a member of the Cactaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Prickly pear.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Opuntia erinacea
Common Name:  Prickly pear
Family:  Cactaceae
Author:  Engelm.&Bigelow.

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:  0.5   Mature Width:  2

Habitat:  Not known

Edible Uses: Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[3, 257]. 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]. Be careful of the plants irritant hairs, see the notes above on toxicity. Pads - cooked or raw[257].

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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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