Twist-Spine Prickly Pear

Opuntia macrorhiza

Physical Characteristics

Opuntia macrorhiza is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Texas to Missouri and Kansas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. By. South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Gum Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[257]. Sweet and gelatinous[85]. Lean and insipid[95]. The unripe fruits can be added to soups etc, imparting an okra-like mucilaginous quality[183]. The fruit can hang on the plant all year round[160]. Be careful of the plants irritant hairs, see notes above. The fruits of O. macrorhiza are about 4cm in diameter and usually free of spines[200]. The following notes are for O. compressa. They almost certainly also apply to this species[K]. Pads - cooked or raw[62, 160]. Watery and very mucilaginous[85]. Seed - briefly roasted then ground into a powder[62]. It is also used as a thickener[62].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The plant has numerous minutely barbed glochids (hairs) that are easily dislodged when the plant is touched and they then become stuck to the skin where they are difficult to see and remove. They can cause considerable discomfort[200].