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

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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