How do I know what type of prickly pear cactus I have?
The Plains Prickly Pear can be distinguished from the more common Prickly Pear by its short stature (less than a foot), whitish (not yellowish) spines, somewhat folded (wrinkled, curved) obpyriform (not orbicular) pads, more elongated (less round) tunas, and a flower with a reddish center. The most recognizable features of prickly pears are their spines and prickly glochids, which are small, hair-like structures that cover the pads and can cause irritation if touched. Worse yet, they can pierce the skin and be quite painful.The fruits are edible and can be eaten raw after removing the skin. Jellies, candies and other sweets are often made from the fruit, while some people also snack on the fleshy pads of the plant. prickly pear cactus has been a mexican and central american dietary staple for thousands of years.Prickly pear cactus is eaten whole (boiled or grilled). It is also made into juice and jams. If you’d like to try prickly pear cactus, consider easing into it. Side effects for some people include mild diarrhea, nausea, increased stool volume, increased stool frequency and abdominal fullness.The notable exceptions to this rule are the prickly pear and one species of barrel cactus, the fishhook barrel (Ferocactus wislizeni). While both of these plants are fairly unpleasant to eat raw, they have less-concentrated levels of the detrimental chemicals and could give you a bit of hydration in a pinch.
How many varieties of prickly pear are there?
The prickly pears are considered an old group within the cactus family with about 150 species in Opuntia. It has the largest range of any cactus in the United States and can be found from New Mexico and Montana east to Florida and Massachusetts. Prickly pear likes dry conditions, and very little watering is required to maintain the plant. This is why the cactus is often used in low-water gardens. Limit your watering to every two to three weeks, only whenever the soil is completely dry.Prickly Pear can live indoors or outdoors in pots or in the ground. Take your pots inside in the late fall to enjoy these plants year-round. Integrate into your home decor for a fun southwestern vibe! Prickly Pear needs a south-facing window with plenty of sun.Watering: Water every 2–3 weeks in spring/summer; reduce to once a month or less in fall/winter. Temperature & Humidity: Keep cacti away from heating vents; occasional misting of soil can prevent dehydration.Cultivating prickly pear They need 4-6 hours of direct sunshine in summer. They are not cold or frost hardy, but can be moved outside to a warm, sunny patio in summer. Make sure you bring them back indoors before the weather turns cold in early autumn.The prickly pear has bright yellow flowers that are 2 to 3 inches in diameter and sometimes have a red center. These flowers bloom May to July. The cactus’ thick, green, flattened pads are covered with needle-like spines.
What type of prickly pear is edible?
Most prickly pear tunas and nopales can be eaten plain. Prickly pear are used for a variety of foods, especially the fruit for syrups, candies and jellies. However, the pads can also be cooked or eaten in a salad. With my method, you drop the fruit into a pot, just barely cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let it cool, then mash the now softened fruit with a potato masher and run the whole shebang through a food mill. Pro Tip: Freeze your prickly pears first, as this makes them even softer.The most recognizable features of prickly pears are their spines and prickly glochids, which are small, hair-like structures that cover the pads and can cause irritation if touched. Worse yet, they can pierce the skin and be quite painful.
Are there any poisonous prickly pears?
The sharp spines can cause injury if touched or if a pet attempts to eat the plant, but the plant itself is not toxic, and eating a cactus is not fatal and will not cause illness. In fact, some cacti like prickly pear are edible and can be used in salads, jams, sauces, candies, and syrups. The spines are capable of causing serious injury to animals and humans. All cholla cacti (Cylindropuntia spp. Opuntia spp. Biosecurity Act 2014 requires that all sightings to be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.Cholla cactus spines are extremely painful when they penetrate the skin. The spines are barbed, making them difficult to remove and causing more tissue damage as they embed further. Contact with the cactus can cause immediate pain, swelling, and even minor bleeding.