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Free Cactus Plants .com!
Opuntia is a genus in the cactus family Cactaceae. Both prickly pears and chollas are included in this genus of about 250 species distributed as well as a myriad of hybrids. The type species of the genus is the Indian fig opuntia Opuntia ficus-indica (most culinary uses of the term 'prickly pear' are referring to that plant)more...
Prickly pear species of the Opuntia genus (Family Cactaceae) in the North American deserts. fleshy pads that look like large leaves. The pads are modified branches, stems that serve several functions  water storage, photosynthesis and flower production. Like other cactus, most prickly pears and chollas have large spines, modified leaves growing from small, wart-like projections on their stems. Opuntia genus are unique; clusters of fine, tiny, barbed spines called glochids, Found just above the cluster of regular spines, yellow or red in color and detach easily from the pads, are often difficult to see and more difficult to remove. The fruits of most prickly pears are edible and sold in stores under the name "tuna." (the pads) are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They, too, are sold in stores. Because of the glochids, great care is required when harvesting or preparing prickly pear cactus. Both fruits and pads of the prickly pear cactus are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that may help keep blood sugar stable. Prickly Pear Nectar is made with the juice and pulp of the fruits and is available from our online store.

Propagation couldn't be easier! Using beaker tongs or a piece of folded newspaper, just cut off a pad. (You can swap pads with a friend)! Let the wound dry for about a week, then plant the pad in a shallow depression cut side down. Water every 2 weeks to get the roots started. Minimal water is needed. Once every 2 to 3 weeks in the summer is sufficient for new plants. When established they can generally survive on rainfall alone. As with any herbaceous plant, however, shriveling or wilting means they need to be watered.

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The flat-jointed paddles of the prickly pear are not leaves, but an adaptation of a stem from which the fruit grows. The cactus paddles, "Nopales," are also a commonly used ingredient in Mexican recipes, including salads and scrambled eggs. The prickly pear fruit normally ripens and is ready for harvest during the late summer and early fall months. When gathering the fruit, wear leather or rubber gloves to avoid contact with the cactus needles. They are a nuisance, especially the tiny soft-appearing barbs of glochids on the fruit itself. The glochids are very difficult to remove if you get them in your skin. A long-handled tong can also be used to pick the fruit from the cactus. Once you have harvested the fruit, you will need to remove the glochids by passing the fruit through an open flame or shaking the fruit in a bag of hot coals. The glochids can also be removed by cutting them away with a knife or peeling off the skin. Once the fruit is removed from the cactus, it will rapidly lose nutritional value and may ferment, so try to consume or process soon after harvesting.

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