Opuntia stenopetala
Engelm.
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(c) Carlos G Velazco-Macias, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Carlos G Velazco-Macias
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(c) Opuntia Cadereytensis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Opuntia Cadereytensis
Summary
Source: WikipediaOpuntia stenopetala is a species low bushy cactus, often forming thickets or mats, the main branches creeping and resting on the edges of the joints. Its native range is within Mexico. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants.
Description
A subtropical cactus in the Cactaceae family with edible stems and fruit.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
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 fruit are eaten raw. They are also boiled with sugar.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The plant has medicinal uses. 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 subtropical plant.
Where It Grows
Mexico, North America,
Cultivation
Unlke most Opuntias, the flowers of this species are functionally unisexual.
Other Uses
The plant has a mat-forming habit and is grown in some areas in order to retain the soil.
Other Information
The fruit are canned.
Also Known As
Arrastradilla, Nopal
References (2)
- Astrada, E., et al, 2007, Ethnobotany in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 3:8
- Piedra-Malagón, E. M. et al, 2022, Edible native plants of the Gulf of Mexico Province. Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e80565 p 16
