Prickly pears
Opuntia littoralis var. vaseyi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida (unranked) Core eudicots Order: Caryophyllales Family: Cactaceae Subfamily: Opuntioideae Tribe: Opuntieae Genus: Opuntia Mill.
Species
Many, see text. Scientific classification redirects here. ... For other uses, see Plant (disambiguation). ... Classes Magnoliopsida - Dicots Liliopsida - Monocots The flowering plants (also angiosperms or Magnoliophyta) are one of the major groups of modern plants, comprising those that produce seeds in specialized reproductive organs called flowers, where the ovulary or carpel is enclosed. ... Magnoliopsida is the botanical name for a class of flowering plants. ... In the APG and APG II system for classification of angiosperms, the names eudicots or tricolpates are applied to a clade, a monophyletic group. ... Families See text. ... This article is about the desert plant. ... Species Some 250, see also Example species. ... Species Some 250, see also Example species. ... Philip Miller (1691 - December 18, 1771) was a botanist of Scottish descent. ... For other uses, see Species (disambiguation). ...
Synonyms
Airampoa Fric Cactodendron Bigelow (nom. inval.) Cactus Lem. Chaffeyopuntia Fric & Schelle Clavarioidia Kreuz. (nom. inval.) Ficindica St.-Lag. Nopalea Salm-Dyck Parviopuntia Soulaire & Marn.-Lap. (nom. inval.) Phyllarthus Neck. ex M.Gómez (nom. inval.) Pseudotephrocactus Fric Salmiopuntia Fric (nom. inval.) Subulatopuntia Fric & Schelle Tunas Lunell Weberiopuntia Fric and see text In scientific nomenclature, synonyms are different scientific names used for a single taxon. ... Alberto Vojtech Frič was a botanist who discovered and catalogued many synonymy of the genus Opuntia Credited Airampoa Chaffeyopuntia Pseudotephrocactus Salmiopuntia Subulatopuntia Weberiopuntia Category: ... Bigelow may refer to: Bigelow Tea Company Bigelow, Missouri Bigelow, Minnesota Bigelow, Arkansas This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... ... Alberto Vojtech Frič was a botanist who discovered and catalogued many synonymy of the genus Opuntia Credited Airampoa Chaffeyopuntia Pseudotephrocactus Salmiopuntia Subulatopuntia Weberiopuntia Category: ... Kurt Kreuzinger (d. ... Alberto Vojtech Frič was a botanist who discovered and catalogued many synonymy of the genus Opuntia Credited Airampoa Chaffeyopuntia Pseudotephrocactus Salmiopuntia Subulatopuntia Weberiopuntia Category: ... Alberto Vojtech Frič was a botanist who discovered and catalogued many synonymy of the genus Opuntia Credited Airampoa Chaffeyopuntia Pseudotephrocactus Salmiopuntia Subulatopuntia Weberiopuntia Category: ... Alberto Vojtech Frič was a botanist who discovered and catalogued many synonymy of the genus Opuntia Credited Airampoa Chaffeyopuntia Pseudotephrocactus Salmiopuntia Subulatopuntia Weberiopuntia Category: ... Alberto Vojtech Frič was a botanist who discovered and catalogued many synonymy of the genus Opuntia Credited Airampoa Chaffeyopuntia Pseudotephrocactus Salmiopuntia Subulatopuntia Weberiopuntia Category: ...

Opuntia is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. For other uses, see Genus (disambiguation). ... The hierarchy of scientific classification In biological classification, family (Latin: familia, plural familiae) is a rank, or a taxon in that rank. ... This article is about the desert plant. ...

Currently, only prickly pears (also known as nopal or nopales; see below) are included in this genus of about 200^[1] species distributed throughout most of the Americas. Chollas are now separated into the genus Cylindropuntia, which some still consider a subgenus of Opuntia. Austrocylindropuntia, Corynopuntia and Micropuntia are also often included in the present genus, but like Cylindropuntia they seem rather well distinct. Brasiliopuntia and Miqueliopuntia are closer relatives of Opuntia. A nopales merchant at his stand in the Merced market of Mexico City Nopals are a vegetable made from the young stem segments of prickly pear, carefully peeled to remove the spines. ... For other uses, see Species (disambiguation). ... World map showing the Americas CIA political map of the Americas in an equal-area projection The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere or New World, consisting of the continents of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions. ... Species Cylindropuntia abyssi Cylindropuntia alcahes Cylindropuntia caribaea Cylindropuntia cholla Cylindropuntia fulgida Cylindropuntia kelvinensis Cylindropuntia munzii Cylindropuntia rosea Cylindropuntia versicolor Cylindropuntia whipplei etc. ... In biology, a subgenus is a taxonomic grade intermediate between genus and species. ... Species Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica Austrocylindropuntia floccosa Austrocylindropuntia hirschii Austrocylindropuntia lagopus Austrocylindropuntia pachypus Austrocylindropuntia punta-caillan etc. ... Species See Example species. ... Species Micropuntia pulchella. ... Synonyms Binomial name Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis (Willd. ... Synonyms Binomial name Miqueliopuntia miquelii (Monv. ...

The most commonly culinary species is the Indian Fig Opuntia (O. ficus-indica). Most culinary uses of the term 'prickly pear' refer to this species. Food from plant sources Food is any substance normally eaten or drunk by living organisms. ... Indian Fig Opuntia (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a cactus crop grown primarily as a fruit crop, but also for vegetable and other uses. ...

Description

Typical habitus of an Opuntia with fruit

Prickly pear cacti typically grow with flat, rounded platyclades that are armed with two kinds of spines; large, smooth, fixed spines and small, hairlike spines called glochids that easily penetrate skin and detach from the plant. Many types of prickly pears grow into dense, tangled structures. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (768x1026, 129 KB)From PD Photo. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (768x1026, 129 KB)From PD Photo. ... Look up Habitus in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Cladophylls also called cladodes are photosynthetic branches or portions of a stem that resemble and function as a leaf, as in the asparagus. ... Raised thorns on the stem of the wait-a-bit climber Prickles on rose stems Thorns of the Ocotillo A spine is a rigid, pointed surface protuberance or needle-like structure on an animal, shell, or plant, presumably serving as a defense against attack by predators. ... Glochids (Opuntia sp. ...

Prickly pear species are found in abundance in the West and Southwest of the United States and throughout much of Mexico. Prickly pears are also the only types of cactus natively found to grow in the eastern United States. Opuntia are the most cold-tolerant of the lowland cacti, extending into western and southern Canada; one subspecies, Opuntia fragilis var. fragilis, has been found growing along the Beatton River in central British Columbia, southwest of Cecil Lake at 56° 17’ N latitude and 120° 39’ W longitude.^[2] Regional definitions vary from source to source. ... The Southwest region of the United States is drier than the adjoining Midwest in weather; the population is less dense and, with strong Spanish-American and Native American components, more ethnically varied than neighboring areas. ... This article is about the zoological term. ... The Beatton River is a tributary of the Peace River, flowing generally east, then south through north-eastern British Columbia, Canada. ... Motto: Splendor sine occasu (Latin: Splendour without diminishment) Capital Victoria Largest city Vancouver Official languages English (de facto) Government Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point Premier Gordon Campbell (BC Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament House seats 36 Senate seats 6 Confederation July 20, 1871 (6th province) Area  Ranked 5th Total 944...

Charles Darwin was the first to note that these cacti have thigmotactic anthers: when the anthers are touched, they curl over, depositing their pollen. This movement can be seen by gently poking the anthers of an open Opuntia flower. The same trait has evolved convergently in other cacti (e.g. Lophophora).
For other people of the same surname, and places and things named after Charles Darwin, see Darwin. ... Flower of the spider tree (Crateva religiosa) with its numerous conspicuous stamens The stamen is the male organ of a flower. ... SEM image of pollen grains from a variety of common plants: sunflower (Helianthus annuus), morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea), prairie hollyhock (Sidalcea malviflora), oriental lily (Lilium auratum), evening primrose (Oenothera fruticosa), and castor bean (Ricinus communis). ... For other uses, see Flower (disambiguation). ... In evolutionary biology, convergent evolution is the process whereby organisms not closely related, independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Chollas

Main article: Cylindropuntia

Chollas, now recognized to belong into a rather distinct genus Cylindropuntia, are distinguished by having cylindrical, rather than flattened, stem segments with the large barbed spines. The stem joints of several species, notably the jumping cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida), are very brittle on young stems, readily breaking off when the barbed spines stick to clothing or animal skin as a method of vegetative reproduction. The barbed spines can remain embedded in the skin, causing significant discomfort and sometimes injury. Species Cylindropuntia abyssi Cylindropuntia alcahes Cylindropuntia caribaea Cylindropuntia cholla Cylindropuntia fulgida Cylindropuntia kelvinensis Cylindropuntia munzii Cylindropuntia rosea Cylindropuntia versicolor Cylindropuntia whipplei etc. ... Binomial name Opuntia fulgida Engelm. ...

Life Cycle

Prickly Pear Leaf Cycle

Bud Appears	Bud Grows	Bud Continues to Grow	Bud Morphs to Baby Leaf
Baby Leaf Grows	Continues to grow...	"Adult Leaf"	Spines Start Developing

Opuntia and humans

Prickly pear fruit for sale at a market, Zacatecas, Mexico

Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (3504x2336, 2761 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Opuntia ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (3504x2336, 2761 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Opuntia ... Zacatecas is a city in Mexico, the capital of the state of Zacatecas. ...

As food

Captive Prickly Pear Grown for Food

The fruit of prickly pears, commonly called cactus figs, Indian^[3] fig or tuna,^[4] is edible, although it has to be peeled carefully to remove the small spines on the outer skin before consumption. If the outer layer is not properly removed, glochids can be ingested causing discomfort of the throat, lips, and tongue as the small spines are easily lodged in the skin. Native Americans like the Tequesta would roll the fruit around in suitable medium (e.g. grit) to "sand" off the glochids. Today, parthenocarpic (seedless) cultivars are also available. For other uses, see Fruit (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Native Americans (disambiguation). ... Approximate territory of the Tequesta in the 16th Century The Tequesta (also Tekesta, Tegesta, Chequesta, Vizcaynos) Native American tribe, at the time of first European contact, occupied an area along the Atlantic coast of Florida in what are now Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. ... Look up grit, GRIT, grits, GRITS in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... sheets of sandpaper Sandpaper is a form of paper where an abrasive material has been fixed to its surface; it is part of the coated abrasives family of abrasive products. ... In botany and horticulture, parthenocarpic literally means virgin fruit; the fruit develops without fertilization of ovules, therefore it is seedless. ... This Osteospermum Pink Whirls is a successful cultivar. ...

Opuntia ficus-indica on the Côte d'Azur, France.

Cactus figs are often used to make candies and jelly and a refreshing drink. The fruit is a favourite in Sicilian cuisine, where it is called ficurinnia (Indian fig). Image File history File links Size of this preview: 411 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1232 × 1796 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 411 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1232 × 1796 pixel, file size: 1. ... Binomial name (L.) Mill. ... The Promenade des Anglais in Nice on the French Riviera at night. ... For other uses, see Candy (disambiguation). ... Three varieties of fruit preserves: strawberry, quince, and red plum Fruit preserves refers to fruit, or vegetables, that have been prepared, canned or jarred for long term storage. ... Sicilian cuisine shows the markers of the cultures which established themselves on the island. ...

Opuntia ficus-indica has been introduced to Europe and flourishes in areas with a suitable climate, such as the south of France, southern Italy, Sicily where they are referred to as fichi d'India (Indian figs), along the Struma River in Bulgaria, in Southern Portugal and Madeira where they are called tabaibo or "Indian figs", and eastern and southern Spain as well as Gibraltar where they are known as chumbo or higo chumbo ("chumbo fig"). In Greece it grows in such places as Corfu and its figs are known as frangosyka (French figs) or pavlosyka (Paul's figs). The figs are also grown in Cyprus, where they are known as papoutsosyka (shoe figs). The prickly pear also grows widely on the islands of Malta where it is enjoyed by the Maltese as a typical summer fruit (known as Bajtra tax-Xewk) as well as being used to make the popular liqueur known as Bajtra. The prickly pear is so commonly found in the Maltese islands that it is often used as a dividing wall between many of Malta's characteristic terraced fields in place of the usual rubble walls. Binomial name (L.) Mill. ... Sicily ( in Italian and Sicilian) is an autonomous region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with an area of 25,708 km² (9,926 sq. ... The Struma (Bulgarian: Струма, Greek: Strimonis, Turkish: Karasu (meaning black water in Turkish)) is a river in Bulgaria and Greece. ... For other uses, see Madeira (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. ... This article is about the Greek island Kerkyra known in English as Corfu or Corcyra. ... Bajtra is a liqueur from the island of Malta which is made from the prickly pear that grows widely in the Maltese islands. ...

Tungi is the local St. Helenian name for cactus pears. The plants (Indian Fig Opuntia) were originally brought to the island by the colonial ivory traders from East Africa in the 1850s. Tungi cactus now grows wild and organically in the dry coastal regions of the island. Three principal cultivars of tungi grow on the island: the 'English' with yellow fruit; the 'Maderia' with large red fruit; and the small firm 'Spiny Red'. Tongi Tungi, India (a fort in Pune District) Category: ... For other uses, see Saint Helena (disambiguation). ... Indian Fig Opuntia (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a cactus crop grown primarily as a fruit crop, but also for vegetable and other uses. ...

The young stem segments, usually called nopales, are also edible in most species of Opuntia. They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine in dishes such as huevos con nopales (eggs with nopal), or tacos de nopales. Nopales are also an important ingredient in New Mexican cuisine. Stem showing internode and nodes plus leaf petiole and new stem rising from node. ... A nopales merchant at his stand in the Merced market of Mexico City Nopals are a vegetable made from the young stem segments of prickly pear, carefully peeled to remove the spines. ... Not to be confused with Tex-Mex, which is often referred to as Mexican food in the U.S. Mexican food is a style of food that originated in Mexico. ... Chicken egg (left) and quail eggs (right), the types of egg commonly used as food An egg is a body consisting of an ovum surrounded by layers of membranes and an outer casing of some type, which acts to nourish and protect a developing embryo. ... For other uses, see Taco (disambiguation). ... New Mexican food is a type of regional cuisine that originated in the US state of New Mexico. ...

Medical uses

Close-up image of prickly pear fruit. Note the fine spines, or glochids, that readily dislodge.

Most species of Opuntia contain a range of alkaloids in ample quantities, notably substituted phenethylamines. While the mere presence of such compounds has been confirmed in many species without further details^[5], they have been studied more thoroughly in others. Identified compounds of medical significance include 3-methoxytyramine^[6], candicine^[7], hordenine^[8], N-methyltyramine^[9] and tyramine^[9]. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2816x2112, 460 KB) Summary Photo taken by me, July 2006. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2816x2112, 460 KB) Summary Photo taken by me, July 2006. ... Chemical structure of ephedrine, a phenethylamine alkaloid An alkaloid is a nitrogen-containing naturally occurring compound, produced by a large variety of organisms, including fungi, plants, animals, and bacteria. ... Phenethylamine, or β-Phenylethylamine, is an alkaloid and monoamine. ... Hordenine is a potent phenylethylamine alkaloid with antibacterial and antibiotic properties produced in nature by several varieties of plants in the family Cactacea. ... In organic chemistry tyramine (4-hydroxy-phenethylamine, para-tyramine, p-tyramine) is a monoamine compound derived from the amino acid tyrosine. ...

The stem of certain Opuntia spp. can be used to treat type II diabetes, diarrhea, and stomach ache. However, usefulness of Opuntia in treating diabetes is not at all resolved. Although some researchers have shown a blood glucose-lowering effect of O. streptacantha^[10], another study of three other species of Opuntia (O. lasiacantha, O. velutina, and O. macrocentra) showed no such effect^[11]. Yet another study, on O. megacantha, raised concern about toxic effects on the kidney^[12]. See diabetes mellitus for further general information on diabetes. ... In medicine, diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences), refers to frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. ...

It may be that certain species are effective and useful in diabetes while others are not but this needs to be clarified with further research before recommending its use. Furthermore, when buying nopal in the market, it is impossible to know which species one is buying and therefore whether or not it is useful in treating diabetes.

Indian Fig Opuntia (and probably others) might have a reducing effect on alcohol hangover by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators. Studies have yielded differing results, with some studies witnessing significant reductions in nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite as well as less risk of a severe hangover^[13], while others witnessing no compelling evidence for effects on alcohol hangover^[14]. Indian Fig Opuntia (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a cactus crop grown primarily as a fruit crop, but also for vegetable and other uses. ... For other uses, see Hangover (disambiguation). ... An abscess on the skin, showing the redness and swelling characteristic of inflammation. ... For other uses, see Nausea (disambiguation). ... Xerostomia is the medical term for a dry mouth due to a lack of saliva. ... This article is about the symptom of decreased appetite. ...

The gel-like sap of prickly pears can be used as hair conditioner.^[15] The abbreviation, acronym, or initialism SAP has several different meanings: SAP AG, a German software company, or its various products such as SAP R/3 or SAP Business Information Warehouse second audio program (television) Session Announcement Protocol Soritong audio player Simple As Possible Computer Architecture Structural Adjustment Program of the... Hair conditioner is a hair care product that improves the texture and appearance of human hair. ...

As an intoxicant

At least two commercially important distilled spirits are produced from Opuntia fruit. In Malta, the pink herbal Bajtra Liqueur is made from Opuntia.^[16] A St. Helenian distillery produces the clear, more potent Tungi Spirit from Indian Fig Opuntia cv. 'English' and 'Madeira'. Various distilled beverages in a Spanish bar A distilled beverage is a liquid preparation meant for consumption containing ethyl alcohol (ethanol) purified by distillation from a fermented substance such as fruit, vegetables, or grain. ... Bajtra is a liqueur from the island of Malta which is made from the prickly pear that grows widely in the Maltese islands. ... Bottles of strawberry liqueur A liqueur is a sweet alcoholic beverage, often flavoured with fruits, herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, roots, plants, barks, and sometimes cream. ... For other uses, see Saint Helena (disambiguation). ... Tungi Spirit is the name given to a distilled product made in Saint Helena from the fruit of the prickly or cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica fruit). ... Indian Fig Opuntia (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a cactus crop grown primarily as a fruit crop, but also for vegetable and other uses. ...

Opuntia is also added sometimes to the entheogenic drink Ayahuasca^[17]. Psychoactive compounds and derivates thereof have been confirmed in some species. These include 3,4-DMPEA^[18], 4-hydroxy-3,5-DMPEA^[19], and mescaline^[20]. This entry covers entheogens as psychoactive substances used in a religious or shamanic context. ... Ayahuasca (Quechua, pronounced ) is any of various psychoactive infusions or decoctions prepared from the Banisteriopsis spp. ... A psychoactive drug or psychotropic substance is a chemical that alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness, or behaviour. ... DMPEA, or 3,4-dimethoxy-phenethylamine, is a lesser-known psychedelic drug. ... Not to be confused with mesclun. ...

Traditional "Zapotec nest" farming of the cochineal scale insect on O. ficus-indica, Oaxaca

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1034x960, 281 KB) Source:: Go-Oaxaca Newsletter Author:: Oscar Carrizosa Web: [http://www. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1034x960, 281 KB) Source:: Go-Oaxaca Newsletter Author:: Oscar Carrizosa Web: [http://www. ... Catedral de Santo Domingo The Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca or simply Oaxaca   is one of the 31 states of Mexico, located in the southern part of Mexico, west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. ...

In dye production

Main article: Cochineal

Dactylopius coccus is a scale insect, from which the cochineal dye is derived. D. coccus itself is native to tropical and subtropical South America and Mexico. This type of insect, a primarily sessile parasite, lives on cacti from the genus Opuntia, feeding on moisture and nutrients in the cactus sap. The insect produces carminic acid which deters predation by other insects. The carminic acid can be extracted from the insect's body and eggs to make the red dye. Binomial name Costa, 1835 Synonyms Coccus cacti Linnaeus, 1758 Pseudococcus cacti Burmeister, 1839 Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye and the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the dye is derived. ... Binomial name Costa, 1835 Synonyms Coccus cacti Linnaeus, 1758 Pseudococcus cacti Burmeister, 1839 Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye and the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the dye is derived. ... Families Aclerdidae Asterolecaniidae Beesoniidae Carayonemidae Cerococcidae Coccidae Conchaspididae Dactylopiidae Diaspididae Electrococcidae Eriococcidae Grimaldiellidae Halimococcidae Inkaidae Jersicoccidae Kermesidae Kerriidae Kukaspididae Labiococcidae Lecanodiaspididae Margarodidae Micrococcidae Ortheziidae Phenacoleachiidae Phoenicococcidae Pseudococcidae Putoidae Stictococcidae The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, notable for their habit of secreting a waxy covering that covers... Orders Subclass Apterygota Archaeognatha (bristletails) Thysanura (silverfish) Subclass Pterygota Infraclass Paleoptera (Probably paraphyletic) Ephemeroptera (mayflies) Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) Infraclass Neoptera Superorder Exopterygota Grylloblattodea (ice-crawlers) Mantophasmatodea (gladiators) Plecoptera (stoneflies) Embioptera (webspinners) Zoraptera (angel insects) Dermaptera (earwigs) Orthoptera (grasshoppers, etc) Phasmatodea (stick insects) Blattodea (cockroaches) Isoptera (termites) Mantodea (mantids) Psocoptera... Binomial name Costa, 1835 Synonyms Coccus cacti Linnaeus, 1758 Pseudococcus cacti Burmeister, 1839 Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye and the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the dye is derived. ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... Look up sessile in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... A parasite is an organism that spends a significant portion of its life in or on the living tissue of a host organism and which causes harm to the host without immediately killing it. ... Subfamilies Cactoideae Maihuenioideae Opuntioideae Pereskioideae See also taxonomy of the Cactaceae A cactus (plural: cacti, cactuses, or cactus) is any member of the succulent plant family Cactaceae, native to the Americas. ... Crimson - A deep red color tinged with blue; also, red color in general; deep red color. ...

Cochineal is primarily used as a red food colouring and for cosmetics. The cochineal dye was used by the Aztec and Maya peoples of Central and North America. Produced almost exclusively in Oaxaca, Mexico by indigenous producers, cochineal became Mexico's second most valued export after silver.^[21] The dyestuff was consumed throughout Europe and was so highly valued that its price was regularly quoted on the London and Amsterdam Commodity Exchanges. For other uses, see Red (disambiguation). ... The color of food is considered important in its enjoyment. ... Make-up redirects here. ... For other uses, see Aztec (disambiguation). ... This article is about the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. ... The city of Oaxaca (formally: Oaxaca de Juárez, in honor of 19th-century president and national hero Benito Juárez, who was born nearby) is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of the same name. ...

In present times, the highest production of cochineal is by Peru, the Canary Islands and Chile. Current health concerns over artificial food additives have renewed the popularity of cochineal dyes, and the increased demand is making cultivation of the insect an attractive opportunity in other regions, such as in Mexico where cochineal production had declined again due to the scale insect having numerous natural enemies.^[22] This article is about the islands in the Atlantic Ocean. ...

Apart from cochineal, the red dye betanin can be extracted from some Opuntia plants themselves. Betanin Betanin, or Beetroot Red, is a red glycosidic food dye obtained from beetroot; its aglycone, obtained by hydrolyzing away the glucose molecule, is betanidin. ...

The Coat of arms of Mexico.

Image File history File links Mexico_coat_of_arms. ... Image File history File links Mexico_coat_of_arms. ... The Coat of Arms of Mexico has been an important symbol of Mexican politics and culture for centuries. ...

In culture

Main article: Coat of arms of Mexico

The coat of arms of Mexico depicts a Mexican golden eagle, perched upon an Opuntia cactus, devouring a snake. According to the official history of Mexico, the coat of arms is inspired by an Aztec legend regarding the founding of Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs, then a nomadic tribe, were wandering throughout Mexico in search of a divine sign that would indicate the precise spot upon which they were to build their capital. Their god Huitzilopochtli had commanded them to find an eagle devouring a snake, perched atop a cactus that grew on a rock submerged in a lake. After two hundred years of wandering, they found the promised sign on a small island in the swampy Lake Texcoco. It was there they founded their new capital, Tenochtitlan. The cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica; Nahuatl: tenochtli), full of fruits, is the symbol for the island of Tenochtitlan. The Coat of Arms of Mexico has been an important symbol of Mexican politics and culture for centuries. ... The Coat of Arms of Mexico has been an important symbol of Mexican politics and culture for centuries. ... The Polish coat of arms has an eagle as the main subject. ... Subfamilies Cactoideae Maihuenioideae Opuntioideae Pereskioideae See also taxonomy of the Cactaceae A cactus (plural: cacti, cactuses, or cactus) is any member of the succulent plant family Cactaceae, native to the Americas. ... For other uses, see Snake (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Aztec (disambiguation). ... // Huitzilopochtli, as depicted in the Codex Telleriano-Remensis. ... Genera Several, see text. ... Lake Texcoco is a lake in Mexico. ... Tenochtitlan, looking east. ... Binomial name (L.) Mill. ... For the Spanish language as spoken in Mexico, see Mexican Spanish. ...

The 1975-1988 version of the coat of arms of Malta also featured an opuntia. The Coat of Arms of Malta is the emblem of the country of Malta. ...

In Israel, the cactus fig is called tzabar (Hebrew: צבר). This is the origin of the slang term sabra for a native-born Israeli Jew^[23]. Hebrew redirects here. ... Sabra (Hebrew: צבר) is a slang term used to describe a native-born Israeli Jew. ...

The cactus lends its name to a song by British Jazz/Classical group Portico Quartet. The Portico Quartet are a 4-piece modern jazz group from London. ...

Ecology

Opuntia spreads into large clonal colonies, which contributes to the fact that it is considered a noxious weed in some places.^[24] This article is about unwanted plants. ...

Prickly pears (mostly Opuntia stricta) were imported into Australia in the 19th century for use as a natural agricultural fence and in an attempt to establish a cochineal dye industry. They quickly became a widespread invasive weed, rendering 40,000 km² of farming land unproductive. The moth Cactoblastis cactorum from South America, whose larvae eat prickly pear, was introduced in 1925 and almost wiped out the population. This case is sometimes cited^[25] as an example of successful biological pest control. Binomial name (Haw. ... Binomial name Costa, 1835 Synonyms Coccus cacti Linnaeus, 1758 Pseudococcus cacti Burmeister, 1839 Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye and the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the dye is derived. ... Lantana invasion of abandoned citrus plantation; Moshav Sdey Hemed, Israel The term invasive species refers to a subset of introduced species or non-indigenous species that are rapidly expanding outside of their native range. ... For other uses, see Moths. ... Binomial name Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) Cactoblastis cactorum commonly known as the cactus moth. ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... Predatory Polistes wasp looking for bollworms or other caterpillars on a cotton plant Biological control of pests and diseases is a method of controlling pests (including weeds and diseases) in agriculture that relies on natural predation, parasitism or other natural mechanism, rather than introduced chemicals. ...

The same moth, introduced accidentally further north of its native range into southern North America, is causing serious damage to some native species in that area. North American redirects here. ...

Other animals that eat Opuntia include the Prickly pear island snail and Cyclura rock iguanas. The fruit are relished by many aridland animals, chiefly birds, which thus help distribute the seeds. Opuntia pathogens include the sac fungus Colletotrichum coccodes and Sammons' Opuntia virus. The ant Crematogaster opuntiae and the spider Theridion opuntia are named for their association with prickly pear cacti. Cyclura is a genus of lizards from the family Iguanidae. ... A pathogen (from Greek pathos, suffering/emotion, and gene, to give birth to), infectious agent, or more commonly germ, is a biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host. ... For other uses, see Ant (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Spider (disambiguation). ...

Selected species

Opuntia hybridizes readily between species. Perhaps only oaks do so as readily.^[24] This can make classification difficult. Also, not all species listed here may actually belong into this genus. This article is about a biological term. ... Species See List of Quercus species The term oak can be used as part of the common name of any of several hundred species of trees and shrubs in the genus Quercus (from Latin oak tree), which are listed in the List of Quercus species, and some related genera, notably...

Opuntia cochenillifera

Little Prickly Pear
Opuntia fragilis

Opuntia oricola

Opuntia ovata

Pinkava's Prickly Pear (Opuntia pinkavae), named in honor of Donald John Pinkava

Panhandle Prickly Pear
Opuntia polycantha

Opuntia robusta flowers

Opuntia stenopetala

• Opuntia aciculata
• Opuntia anacantha
• Opuntia atrispina
• Opuntia auberi
• Opuntia aurantiaca
• Opuntia basilaris – Beavertail cactus
• Opuntia boldinghii
• Opuntia chaffeyi
• Opuntia chlorotica – Pancake Prickly Pear; native to southwest USA and the Sonoran and Mojave deserts.
• Opuntia clavata
• Opuntia cochenillifera
• Opuntia comonduensis
• Opuntia compressa
• Opuntia curvospina
• Opuntia decumana
• Opuntia decumbens – Nopal de Culebra
• Opuntia dejecta
• Opuntia echios
  • Opuntia echios var. gigantea – Galápagos prickly pear. Galápagos Islands.
• Opuntia elata
• Opuntia elatior Mill. – syn. O. bergeriana
• Opuntia engelmannii – Engelmann's Prickly Pear, Cow's-tongue Prickly Pear, Desert Prickly Pear, Discus Prickly Pear, Texas Prickly Pear, calico cactus
• Opuntia erinacea
• Opuntia exaltata
• Opuntia excelsa
• Opuntia ficus-barbarica
• Opuntia ficus-indica – Indian Fig Opuntia
• Opuntia fragilis – Little Prickly Pear, brittle cactus. Found in the Great Plains and as far west as British Columbia.
• Opuntia galapageia
• Opuntia gosseliniana – Violet Prickly Pear
  • Opuntia gosseliniana var. santa-rita – Santa Rita Prickly Pear
• Opuntia helleri
• Opuntia hickenii
• Opuntia humifusa – Eastern Prickly Pear (sometimes included in O. compressa)
• Opuntia hyptiacantha
• Opuntia inamoema K. Schum. – quipá
• Opuntia insularis
• Opuntia invicta
• Opuntia jamaicensis
• Opuntia laevis
• Opuntia lasiacantha
• Opuntia leucotricha – Arborescent Prickly Pear, Aaron's beard cactus, semaphore cactus, Duraznillo blanco, Nopal blanco
• Opuntia lindheimeri
• Opuntia littoralis – Sprawling Prickly Pear
• Opuntia macbridei
• Opuntia macrocentra – Black-spine Prickly Pear, Purple Prickly Pear. Found in southwest USA and northern Mexico.
• Opuntia macrorhiza – Plains Prickly Pear. Found throughout the Great Plains except for the northernmost areas (not found in North Dakota), and extending sporadically eastward as far as Kentucky. Syn. O. leptocarpa MacKensen, O. tenuispina Engelm., O. tortispina Engelm. & Bigelow
• Opuntia maldonandensis
• Opuntia maxima
• Opuntia megacantha
• Opuntia megarrhiza
• Opuntia megasperma
• Opuntia microdasys – Bunny ears cactus, Polka-dot cactus
• Opuntia monacantha – Common Prickly Pear
• Opuntia oricola
• Opuntia ovata
• Opuntia pachypus
• Opuntia pachyrrhiza
• Opuntia phaeacantha – Tulip Prickly Pear. Includes Plateau Prickly Pear, Brown-spined Prickly Pear, Mojave Prickly Pear, Kingman Prickly Pear.
• Opuntia pinkavae – Pinkava's Prickly Pear
• Opuntia polyacantha – Panhandle Prickly Pear. Found in the Great Plains, Great Basin, Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and the Rocky Mountains. Syn. O. rhodantha K.Schum.
  • Opuntia polyacantha var. arenaria (syn. O. erinacea)
• Opuntia pubescens (syn. O. pascoensis Britton & Rose)
• Opuntia pusilla – Creeping cactus. Syn. O. drummondii Graham
• Opuntia rastrera
• Opuntia repens
• Opuntia robusta
• Opuntia rufida (sometimes included in O. microdasys)
• Opuntia saxicola
• Opuntia schumannii
• Opuntia soehrensii
• Opuntia stenopetala (syn. O. riviereana Backeb.)
• Opuntia streptacantha
• Opuntia stricta – Erect Prickly Pear, Spineless Prickly Pear, Coastal Prickly Pear
• Opuntia subulata – found in South America
• Opuntia sulphurea
• Opuntia taylori
• Opuntia tehuantepecana – Nopal de Caballo
• Opuntia tomentosa – Woollyjoint Prickly Pear
• Opuntia triacantha
• Opuntia tuna
• Opuntia velutina
• Opuntia violacea

An Opuntia in front of a Jumping Cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida)

Binomial name Opuntia basilaris Engelmann & Bigelow, 1856 The Beavertail Cactus is found in southwest USA, mostly in the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and also in northwest Mexico. ... Map of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. ... For the indigenous American tribe, see Mohave. ... Binomial name J.T.Howell Opuntia echios is a species of plant in the Cactaceae family. ... Galápagos redirects here. ... Binomial name Salm-Dyck ex Engelmann Opuntia engelmannii is a prickly pear common across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. ... Binomial name (L.) Mill. ... Motto: Splendor sine occasu (Latin: Splendour without diminishment) Capital Victoria Largest city Vancouver Official languages English (de facto) Government Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point Premier Gordon Campbell (BC Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament House seats 36 Senate seats 6 Confederation July 20, 1871 (6th province) Area  Ranked 5th Total 944... Binomial name F.A.C. Weber The Violet Prickly Pear (Opuntia gosseliniana F. A. C. Weber) is native to Pima County, Arizona, and Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora in Mexico. ... Species Opuntia humifusa Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa), also known as Indian fig, is the only native cactus found in the northeastern part of North America and is found through New Jersey, New York and the New England states, and even in parts of Eastern Canada. ... Official language(s) English Demonym North Dakotan Capital Bismarck Largest city Fargo Area  Ranked 19th in the US  - Total 70,762 sq mi (183,272 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 340 miles (545 km)  - % water 2. ... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Frankfort Largest city Louisville Area  Ranked 37th  - Total 40,444 sq mi (104,749 km²)  - Width 140 miles (225 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 1. ... Binomial name (Lehm. ... Binomial name Haworth Opuntia monacantha is a species of plant in the Cactaceae family. ... Binomial name Engelm. ... Drainage map showing the Great Basin in orange Various Definitions of the Great Basin (NPS) Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park, Nevada. ... The Colorado Plateau, also called the Colorado Plateaus Province, is a physiographic region of the Intermontane Plateaus, roughly centered on the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States. ... For individual mountains named Rocky Mountain, see Rocky Mountain (disambiguation). ... Binomial name (Haw. ... Binomial name Opuntia fulgida Engelm. ...

Formerly in Opuntia

• Austrocylindropuntia
• Brasiliopuntia
• Corynopuntia
• Cylindropuntia
• Disocactus phyllanthoides (as Opuntia speciosa)
• Micropuntia
• Miqueliopuntia

Species Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica Austrocylindropuntia floccosa Austrocylindropuntia hirschii Austrocylindropuntia lagopus Austrocylindropuntia pachypus Austrocylindropuntia punta-caillan etc. ... Synonyms Binomial name Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis (Willd. ... Species See Example species. ... Species Cylindropuntia abyssi Cylindropuntia alcahes Cylindropuntia caribaea Cylindropuntia cholla Cylindropuntia fulgida Cylindropuntia kelvinensis Cylindropuntia munzii Cylindropuntia rosea Cylindropuntia versicolor Cylindropuntia whipplei etc. ... Species Micropuntia pulchella. ... Synonyms Binomial name Miqueliopuntia miquelii (Monv. ...

Footnotes

For other uses, see Native Americans (disambiguation). ... In zoological nomenclature, a specific name is the second part (second name) in the name of a species (a binomen). ... Species About 800, including: Ficus altissima Ficus americana Ficus aurea Ficus benghalensis- Indian Banyan Ficus benjamina- Weeping Fig Ficus broadwayi Ficus carica- Common Fig Ficus citrifolia Ficus coronata Ficus drupacea Ficus elastica Ficus godeffroyi Ficus grenadensis Ficus hartii Ficus lyrata Ficus macbrideii Ficus macrophylla- Moreton Bay Fig Ficus microcarpa- Chinese... This article is about the tree. ... Fig redirects here. ... Map of South Asia (see note on Kashmir). ... Species Opuntia humifusa Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa), also known as Indian fig, is the only native cactus found in the northeastern part of North America and is found through New Jersey, New York and the New England states, and even in parts of Eastern Canada. ... Binomial name (Lehm. ... Binomial name Engelm. ... Binomial name (Haw. ... Binomial name (L.) Mill. ... Binomial name (L.) Mill. ... Binomial name Opuntia basilaris Engelmann & Bigelow, 1856 The Beavertail Cactus is found in southwest USA, mostly in the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and also in northwest Mexico. ... Binomial name Opuntia basilaris Engelmann & Bigelow, 1856 The Beavertail Cactus is found in southwest USA, mostly in the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and also in northwest Mexico. ... Binomial name (L.) Mill. ... The Economist is an English-language weekly news and international affairs publication owned by The Economist Newspaper Ltd and edited in London. ...

References

• Behan, Jeff (1995): The bug that changed history. Boatman's Quarterly Rreview 8(2). HTML fulltext
• Bwititi, P.; Musabayane, C.T. & Nhachi, C.F.B. (2000): Effects of Opuntia megacantha on blood glucose and kidney function in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 69(3): 247-252. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(99)00123-3 PMID 10722207 (HTML abstract)
• Cota-Sánchez, J. Hugo (2002): Taxonomy, distribution, rarity status and uses of Canadian Cacti. Haseltonia 9: 17-25^[1] PDF abstract
• Frati-Munari, A.C.; Fernandez-Harp, J.A.; de la Riva, H.; Ariza-Andraca, R. & del Carmen Torres, M. (1983): Effects of nopal (Opuntia sp.) on serum lipids, glycemia and body weight. Archivos de investigacion medica 14(2): 117-125. PMID 6314922 [Article in English, Spanish]
• Ott, Jonathan (1995): Ayahuasca Additive Plants. In: Ayahuasca Analogues: Pangaean Entheogens.
• Pittler, Max H.; Verster, Joris C. & Ernst, Edzard (2005): Interventions for preventing or treating alcohol hangover: systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Brit. Med. J. 331(7531): 1515-1518. doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7531.1515 PMID 16373736 PDF fulltext
• Portillo M., Liberato & Vigueras G., Ana Lilia (1988): Natural Enemies of Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa): Importance in Mexico. Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development 3: 43-49. PDF fulltext
• Rayburn, Keith M.D.; Martinez, Rey; Escobedo, Miguel; Wright, Fred & Farias, Maria (1998): Glycemic Effects of Various Species of Nopal (Opuntia sp.) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Texas Journal of Rural Health 16(1): 68-76.
• Trenary, Klaus (1997): Visionary Cactus Guide: Opunita [sic]. Retrieved 2007-OCT-15.
• Wiese, Jeff; McPherson, Steve; Odden, Michelle C. & Shlipak, Michael G. (2004): Effect of Opuntia ficus indica [sic] on Symptoms of the Alcohol Hangover. Arch. Intern. Med. 164(12): 1334-1340. PDF fulltext

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External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Opuntia

• Opuntiads of the USA
• Arizona Salvage Restricted Protected Native Plants (AZ Dept. of Agriculture)
• Prickly Pear photograph album 1926-1933 digitised and held by State Library of Queensland.