Opuntia ficus-indica |
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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. Needs full sun. Must have good drainage. Frost sensitive to hard freeze. When they are young, the pads, or nopales of this cactus are used to make a delicious salsa, which is reputed to have beneficial health effects. The major pest comes from a scale.
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Anatomy
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Culture
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Design
Plant Type
Succulent, Cactus
Height Range
6-12', 12-25'
Flower Color
Orange, Yellow
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Green, Light Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Purple, Red, Yellow
Fruit Season
Summer, Fall
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.