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PRICKLY PEAR

(Opuntia Stricta)

Order: Caryophyllales | Family: Cactaceae

 

Opuntia stricta is a species of prickly pear cactus known for its thick, thorny stalks and showy yellow flowers. Adapted to arid climates, this succulent plant is hardy and easily propagated. It produces edible fruits, but in some regions it is considered an invasive species.

root-opuntia-stricta

Roots

The root of Opuntia stricta is shallow and fibrous, allowing it to spread close to the soil surface. This structure is designed to quickly capture water during short rains, characteristic of arid environments. The roots spread wide and thin, forming a network that maximizes water and nutrient uptake in dry, poor soils. Thanks to this adaptation, the plant can thrive in difficult conditions.

cladodios-opuntia-stricta

Trunk

The cladodes of Opuntia stricta are the part that corresponds to the trunk of the cactus. They have an oval or elliptical shape, with rounded edges that give them a robust and fleshy appearance. Its surface is generally smooth and can present a slightly rough texture, with small protuberances and thorns that cover it. These spines are adaptations that help reduce water loss and protect the plant from herbivores. The color of the cladodes varies from bright green to dark green, reflecting their ability to photosynthesize.

flor-opuntia-stricta

Flower

The flower of Opuntia stricta is showy and appears at the top of the cladodes. It is cup-shaped and can measure between 5 and 10 centimeters in diameter. The petals are bright yellow or yellow with red tints on the edges, which attracts pollinators. In the center, it has a dense cluster of yellow stamens that protrude. The flowers are ephemeral, but their abundance on the plant makes them stand out, contributing to the reproduction of the cactus.

Fruto-opuntia-stricta

Fruit

The fruit of Opuntia stricta, known as "tuna", is oval and can measure between 5 and 10 centimeters in length. Its skin is red to purple in color, with a smooth texture and sometimes covered with small thorns or glochids that must be removed before consumption. The interior is juicy and fleshy, with a sweet and juicy pulp containing numerous small seeds. This fruit is edible and is used in various culinary preparations, as well as being a source of food for animals and humans in the wild.

Identification and origin:

Opuntia stricta, commonly known as strict nopal or prickly pear cactus, is a cactus native to tropical and subtropical America. It is found naturally in regions of Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. Characterized by its flat, fleshy stems, it is recognized for its long spines and yellow flowers that produce edible fruit.

Height and growth:

Opuntia stricta is a cactus that can reach between 1 and 3 meters in height. Its growth is bushy, with segmented stems in the form of blades or cladodes. This plant has a fast growth in warm and sunny conditions, adapting well to poor soils and dry areas.

frondosa opuntia stricta

Geographic distribution:

Opuntia stricta is widely distributed in warm regions of the Americas, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. It has also naturalized in areas of Africa, Australia and the Mediterranean, where it was introduced as an ornamental species or for erosion control, adapting quickly to arid and semi-arid climates.

prickly-pear-distribution-map
Ideal climate:

Opuntia stricta thrives in warm, dry climates, preferring temperatures between 20 and 30°C. It is highly resistant to drought and tolerates extreme temperatures, but does not survive prolonged frosts. It needs direct sun exposure and is common in arid and semi-arid areas.

Soil and proximity:

This cactus adapts to poor, sandy or stony soils, provided they have good drainage. It prefers slightly alkaline soils, although it tolerates acid soils. Opuntia stricta usually grows in open and dry areas, in proximity to other xerophytic plants, maintaining a distance that favors its expansion without competing for water resources.
opuntia stricta ideal climate

5 curiosities about cacti

Invasion in Australia: Introduced in the 19th century, Opuntia stricta invaded millions of hectares. The moth Cactoblastis cactorum successfully controlled its spread.

Extreme survival: This cactus thrives in poor and arid soils. Its roots and spines limit water loss, adapting perfectly to dry climates.

Edible and healthy fruits: The "tunas" of Opuntia stricta are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fiber, beneficial to health, especially in regulating blood sugar.

Medicinal uses: Cultures use parts of the cactus for digestive problems, inflammations and wounds, as it contains soothing and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Efficient reproduction: Opuntia stricta reproduces easily both by seeds and fragments of leaves or stems, helping its expansion as an invasive plant.

opuntia strica fruit