Opuntia imbricata Tree chola (Cactaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Opuntia imbricata
Tree chola
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Opuntia imbricata plant species is found in Southwestern N. America. It is a member of the Cactaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Tree chola.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Opuntia imbricata
Common Name:  Tree chola
Family:  Cactaceae
Author:  (Haw.)DC.

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:  3   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Sandy to gravelly soils[228].

Edible Uses: Pads - cooked or raw[257]. Watery and very mucilaginous[85]. The prickles on the skin must be carefully removed before eating the pads. The young pads can be split lengthwise then dried and stored for winter use[257]. Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[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. The fruits of O. imbricata are dry, about 3cm in diameter and usually free of spines[200, 227]. 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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