Opuntia ficus-indica
Indian Fig Prickly Pear
Description
More tree like than other opuntias to 15'. Usually have no spines but some glochids can be found. Flowers are yellow to orange in late spring and early summer. Fruit is edible. Full sun. Must have good drainage. Frost sensitive to hard freeze. When they are young, the pads, or mopales of this cactus are used to make a delicious salsa, which is reputed to have beneficial health effects. The major pest and source of the red dye cochineal comes from a scale.
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Fix leaking sprinklers, valves, and pipes.
One broken spray sprinkler can waste 10 gallons per minute - or 100 gallons in a typical 10 minute watering cycle.