Opuntia phaeacantha Bastard fig (Cactaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Opuntia phaeacantha
Bastard fig
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Opuntia phaeacantha plant species is found in Southwestern N. America. It is a member of the Cactaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Bastard fig.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Opuntia phaeacantha
Common Name:  Bastard fig
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:  0.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Dry prairies and open woodlands, often on sandy soils[227].

Propagation Notes: Seed - sow early spring in a very well-drained compost in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from winter wet. Make sure you have some reserve plants in case those outdoors do not overwinter. Cuttings of leaf pads at any time in the growing season. Remove a pad from the plant and then leave it in a dry sunny place for a couple of days to ensure that the base is thoroughly dry and has begun to callous. Pot up into a sandy compost. Very easy, rooting quickly.

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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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