Opuntia pilifera
F. A. C. Weber
Nopal
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Summary
Source: WikipediaOpuntia pilifera is a species of plants in the family Cactaceae (cacti). They are listed in CITES Appendix II.
Description
A shrubby cactus found in tropical arid regions. It produces edible stems and fruits.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
Fruit. Of fair quality. The globose, red, spiny fruits are 30 - 50mm long and 15 - 27mm in diameter. The tender young stem segments of various species are often cooked as a vegetable. Known as ‘nopals’ in Mexico, where they are a common ingredient in numerous dishes, they can be eaten raw or cooked, used in marmalades, soups, stews and salads. The most commonly used species are Opuntia ficus-indica or Opuntia hyptiacantha (syn Opuntia matudae), although the stems of almost all Opuntia species are edible.
Traditional Uses
The stem is eaten cooked in soups and stews and roasted. The fruit are cooked and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The plant is used medicinally. No more details. We have no further specific information on medicinal uses for this species, but the following notes are likely to apply universally to Opuntia species and other related genera. The flesh of tender young stem segments can be applied as a poultice to reduce inflammation. The mucilage and soluble fibre found in the flowers and stem segments have been shown to help control blood-sugar levels associated with adult-onset diabetes. There is clinical evidence that the soluble fibre in the stem segments helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Known Hazards
The plant has numerous minutely barbed glochids - these are barbed spines that are usually small to minute and are very sharp and brittle. The glochids are very easily dislodged when the plant is touched and can penetrate the skin where, because of their barbs, they become stuck and are very difficult to see and remove. They can cause considerable irritation and discomfort. Opuntia species can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, especially in older parts of the plant. Perfectly alright in small quantities, foods containing oxalic acid should not be eaten in large amounts since it can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in arid places.
Where It Grows
Mexico, North America,
Other Uses
The plant is used for fuel for cooking etc. The plant is used as a living fence. The plant tolerates habitat modifications and propagates vegetatively, easily recolonizing disturbed areas.
Production
Plants take 5-10 years before harvesting.
References (4)
- Gonzalez-Insuasti, M. S. and Caballero, J., 2007, Managing Plants Resources: How Intensive Can it be? Human Ecology, 35:303-314
- Gonzalez-Insuasti, M. S., et al, 2011, Intra-cultural Differences in the Importance of Plant Resources and Their Impact on Management Intensificaton in the Tehuacan Vallet, Mexico. Human Ecology 39:191-202
- Thursten, T. L., et al, (Ed.), Seeking a Richer Harvest: The Archaeology of Subsistence Intensification.
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
