Bastard Fig, Tulip pricklypear

Opuntia phaeacantha

Physical Characteristics

Opuntia phaeacantha is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). 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.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Stem Edible Uses: Gum Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[257]. Juicy[183]. They can be made into a jelly or baked with sugar, cinnamon etc[183]. The fruit is pear-shaped and up to 8cm x 4cm[200]. Seed - dried, parched and ground into a meal, then added to flour and used in making cakes etc[183, 257]. Young stems - cooked. Boiled or roasted, then used like green beans[183].

Medicinal Uses

Galactogogue A poultice of the heated plant has been applied to the breasts of a nursing mother in order to encourage milk flow.

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].