Spiny nopal, Nopal chamacuero
Nopalea dejecta
Family: Cactaceae
What it is like
A cactus. It is a spiny shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. The flowers are dark red. The fruit are 3-4 cm long and dark red when ripe.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It is often in coastal thicket. It grows up to 1,350 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Central America, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, North America, Panama, West Indies
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten. The young flattened stems are cut into strips, cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
It is occasionally cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit, stems
How it is grown
It is used as a living hedge.
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Nopalea escuintlensis Matuda; Opuntia dejecta Salm-Dyck;