Opuntia macrorhiza Twist-spine prickly pear (Cactaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Opuntia macrorhiza
Twist-spine prickly pear
Evergreen perennial
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The Opuntia macrorhiza plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - Texas to Missouri and Kansas. It is a member of the Cactaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Twist-spine prickly pear.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Opuntia macrorhiza
Common Name:  Twist-spine prickly pear
Family:  Cactaceae
Author:  Engelm.

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:  0.12   Mature Width:  0.8

Habitat:  Sandy, gravelly or rocky soil in grasslands[228]. Plants can sometimes persist for years under invading trees[228].

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 mixed with oil to make candles[64]. 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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