Opuntia lasiacantha
Pfeiff.
Nopal de cerro
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(c) María Isabel Ignacio Sánchez, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by María Isabel Ignacio Sánchez
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(c) VMC Las Naranjas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by VMC Las Naranjas
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(c) Juan Carlos López Domínguez, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Juan Carlos López Domínguez
Description
A cactus in the Cactaceae family found in tropical regions.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
Fruit. A semi-acid to slightly sweet pulp. Of reasonable quality. The spiny, obconical, greenish yellow fruit has a reddish tint; it is around 35 - 45mm long and 20 - 30mm 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 and Opuntia matudae, although the stems of almost all Opuntia species are edible.
Medicinal Uses
We have no 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.
Where It Grows
Mexico,
Cultivation
The mature fruit is persistent on the plant, it has been observed to remain on the cladodes for 12 months or more in edible condition.
Other Uses
The plant is used for fuel.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Nopal de castilla, Nopal pachon
References (5)
- Cruz, I. M., et al, 2015, Edible fruits and seeds in the State of Mexico. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agricolas. Vol. 6. Num. 2 pp 331-346 (Also as Opuntia rzedowski)
- Gallegos-Vazquez, C., et al, 2012, Morphological diversity of xoconostles (Opuntia spp.) or acidic cactus pears: A Mexican contribution to functional foods. Fruits, Vol. 67, p. 109-220
- Rangel-Landa, S., et al, 2017, Sociocultural and ecological factors influencing management of edible and non-edible plants: the case of Ixcatlan, Mexico. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 13:59
- Segura, S. et al, 2018, The edible fruit species in Mexico. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2018) 65:1767–1793 (Also as Opuntia rzendowskii)
- www.desert-tropicals.com
