Ecuador prickly pear
Opuntia soederstromiana

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is shrubby and has loose branches. When young it is brilliant green. The leaves are green with red tips 2-4 mm long. The spines can be 6 cm long. They are curved and twisted. The flowers are yellow and orange. The fruit are red and covered with spines.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the highlands of Ecuador between 1,000-3,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Ecuador (country/location of origin), South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are edible but only occasionally eaten.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Pishco tuna, Pishku tuna

Synonyms

Opuntia dobbieana Britton & Rose;