Mispel, Mission prickly-pear
Opuntia megacantha

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is shrubby or tree like. It grows 4-5 m tall. It can have a trunk. The stem segments are large and oval. They are 40-60 cm long. There are 1-5 spines 2-3 cm long. The flowers are yellow or orange and 8 cm long. The fruit are 7-8 cm long.

There are about 250 Opuntia species. This is probably a synonym of Opuntia ficus-indica.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Central America, East Africa, Mexico, North America, South Africa, Southern Africa, USA, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or made into preserved products. The dried fruit are made into large, thick cakes. A paste or jelly is made from the boiled juice. The juice is also boiled and fermented. The tender young joints are used as a vegetable.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit, stems

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mission tuna, Nopal, Nopal blanco, Nopal tempranillo, Panini, Torofeie

Synonyms

Opuntia hispanica Griffiths;