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].

Edible Uses: Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[257]. Juicy[183]. They can be made into a jelly or baked with sugar, cinnamon etc[183]. The fruit is pear-shaped and up to 8cm x 4cm[200]. Seed - dried, parched and ground into a meal, then added to flour and used in making cakes etc[183, 257]. Young stems - cooked. Boiled or roasted, then used like green beans[183].

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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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