Description
Latin Name – Opuntia ficus-indica
One of many Opuntia cactus varieties with an edible pad. Cactus plants are one of the easiest set-and-forget food sources that only appreciate over time. As expected, Nopales cacti thrive in heat, full sun, and are remarkably drought-tolerant.
“Nopales” literally translates to “prickly pear cactus pad” or “cactus paddles”, with a single edible unit referred to as a “nopal.”
The large fleshy pads are choc-full of water, fiber, and nutrients like potassium and calcium. In Mexico, young pads are eaten raw; larger pads can be pickled or sliced thin for salads, etc. Lots of folks in the area grow Opuntia cactuses for their pets such as tortoises, cattle, goats, horses, birds, and rabbits. The fleshy and hydrating pads make excellent dietary supplements for livestock.
Propagated through “cutting” aka tossing a pad on the ground and walking away. When you trim your plant, put cuttings in the bin or they will grow again!
This species does not produce a fruit, but will flower at full maturity. Available in either variegated or traditional full-green.
