Water tunas
Pereskiopsis aquosa

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is a shrub or tree like plant. It has branches. It can grow 2-4 m high. It can have a distinct trunk. The stems are green and 1-2.5 cm across. The leaves are oval and 3.5-8 cm long by 2.5-3.2 cm wide. They taper to the tips. There are 1-4 spines. They are 0.5-3.6 cm long. The flowers are at the ends of the branches. They are golden yellow with a reddish tint. They are 10-16 cm long by 6-7 cm wide. The fruit are pear shaped and yellowish-green. They are 6-13 cm long and 1.6-3.5 cm wide. The fruit are edible.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in central Mexico.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico, North America

How it is used for food

The fruit are used to make drinks and preserves. They are also boiled and eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Alfilerillo, Chirrioncillo, Nopal de la punzada, Tasajillo, Tunas de agua

Synonyms

Opuntia aquosa F.A.C. Weber;