Prickly PearPosted 10 years ago under Uncategorized
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Prickly pears are a common food in Latin American communities. Both the fruits and the paddles of the prickly pear cactus are edible. The paddles are used in treating diabetes and lowered cholesterol. The prickly pear is full of flavonoids and antioxidants which can help boost liver function and the immune system. 1Interestingly, it tastes like a cross between watermelon and bubblegum. 2
Taxonomy
Prickly pear is a type of fruiting cactus also known as Opuntia ficus-indica.
Kingdom (Plantae) → Angiosperms → Eudicots → Core eudicots →Order (Caryophyllales) → Family (Cactaceae) → Genus (Opuntia) → Subgenus (Opuntia) → Species (Opumtia ficus-indica)
Description
Prickly pear grow on cactus that can reach heights of 6 or 7 feet. They have pads that can vary in size or color but are typically a medium green. Some varieties have spines on them while some are spineless. The flowers can range in color from yellow to red or purple. 3The fruits are attached to the pads and are dark red or purple in color and have fine hairs on them. 4
Distribution
The prickly pear is native to Mexico, Central America, and the United States. It now grows in a variety of areas around the world including Australia, Africa, and the Mediterranean. The cactus thrives in full sun and sandy-loamy soil that is well-drained. It can tolerate a wide variety of soils and temperatures. 5
Nutritional Information
Prickly pear is a rich source of nutrition, including dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is high in vitamin C, some B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and copper. 6It also contains vital antioxidants including betalains, flavonoids, and polyphenols. These nutrients means that prickly pear can help with diabetes, heart disease, cataracts, macular degeneration, and even some cancers. 7
Commercial Cultivation
Prickly pear can be grown from seed but is usually grown from cuttings. 5 Typically they are harvested in early fall. 4
Diseases, Pests, Predators
Prickly pear are susceptible to diseases, pests, and other problems that are common to cacti. This includes sunburn and overwatering since prickly pear do not require much water or total sun. Overwatering can lead to diseases such as scab and root rot. Other diseases include phyllosticta pad spot, charcoal spot, and anthracnose. Although pests are not generally a problem, prickly pear can be vulnerable to cochineal scale pests. 8
