Cochineal plant
Opuntia cochenillifera

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A tree like cactus. It grows 3-5 m tall. The stem can be 20 cm across. The joints are glossy green. They are oval and 8-25 cm long by 5-12 cm wide. The spine spots are far apart. There are barbed bristles but few spines. There may be 2-4 spines 0.8-1.5 cm long. Flowers are rose coloured. They are 6-7 cm long. The fruit are red.

There are about 250 Opuntia species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It needs good sunlight. It needs a temperature above 13°C. It can grow in arid places. In the Indian Himalayas it grows between 1,300-2,200 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, East Africa, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, Honduras, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Jamaica, Lesser Antilles, Marquesas, Mexico, Nigeria, North America, Pacific, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South America, Tanzania, USA, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten. They are also made into candies. The pads can be eaten after the spines are removed. Young joints are pickled. It is also a host for the chocineal insect which produces a red dye colouring for food and drinks.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, stems (pads)

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from cuttings. It can be used as a hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Hevido y guisado, Kaktus nopales, Nagphani, Nopales, Prickly pear, Puchikalli, Tay-cui, True Nopal

Synonyms

Cactus cochenillifer L.; Nopalea coccifera Lem.; Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) Mill.; and others