Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian Fig, Cactus Pear)

Scientific Name

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.

Common Names

Indian Fig Opuntia, Indian Fig, Barbary Fig, Cactus Pear, Spineless Cactus, Prickly Pear, Mission Cactus, Mission Prickly Pear, Smooth Mountain Prickly Pear, Smooth Prickly Pear, Sweet Prickly Pear, Tuberous Prickly Pear, Tuna Cactus

Synonyms

Cactus ficus-indica (basionym), Cactus opuntia, Opuntia arcei, Opuntia castillae, Opuntia chinensis, Opuntia cordobensis, Opuntia ficus-barbarica, Opuntia incarnadilla, Opuntia megacantha, Opuntia vulgaris, Platyopuntia vulgaris

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Opuntieae
Genus: Opuntia

Description

Opuntia ficus-indica is a slow growing perennial shrub up to 16.5 feet (5 m) high. The root-system spreads horizontally. Stems (cladodes) are very thick, succulent, oblong to spatulate, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and up to 10 inches (25 cm) wide. The epidermis is very thick and waxy, thus very water repellent and sun reflecting. Flowering occurs on 1-2 year-old cladodes. Flowers open in the late morning. The fruit is succulent, reddish, ellipsoid, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and edible.

Photo via plantlust.com

How to Grow and Care

Though the large variety of species within the Opuntia genus means different types of prickly pears may need slightly different care, all are desert cacti that need lots of sun, lots of light, and very little water. If you live in a hot, arid area – particularly the American Southwest – these plants can generally be planted outside, left alone, and enjoyed. Though Opuntia will grow just fine in a garden, they can be grown in pots as well.

To repot, ensure the soil is dry, then remove the pot and knock away the old soil. After treating any cuts with fungicide, place the prickly pear in a new pot and backfill it with potting soil. As with a new cutting, make sure not to water a newly repotting prickly pear for a brief period to avoid rotting its roots… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Opuntia.

Uses

Opuntia ficus-indica is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant important in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world. It is grown primarily as a fruit crop, but also for the vegetable nopales and other uses. Most culinary references to the “Prickly Pear” are referring to this species. The name “Tuna” is also used for the fruit of this cactus, and for Opuntia in general… – See more at: Indian Fig Opuntia – A Fruit and Vegetable Rolled Up into One Plant .