Opuntia ficus-indica Prickly pear (Cactaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Opuntia ficus-indica
Prickly pear
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Opuntia ficus-indica plant species is found in Original habitat is obscure. 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 ficus-indica
Common Name:  Prickly pear
Family:  Cactaceae
Author:  (L.)Mill.

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:  5   Mature Width:  5

Habitat:  Naturalized in the Mediterranean where it grows in dry arid and rocky places[89].

Medicinal Information: The flowers and stems are antispasmodic, diuretic and emollient[7]. The split stems have been bound around injured limbs as a first aid measure[254]. The flowers are astringent and are used to reduce bleeding and treat problems of the gastro-intestinal tract, especially diarrhoea, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome[254]. The flowers are also used in the treatment of an enlarged prostate gland[254].

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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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