Plains Prickly Pear, El Paso pricklypear, Grizzlybear pricklypear, Navajo Bridge pricklypear, Hairsp

Opuntia polyacantha

Physical Characteristics

Opuntia polyacantha is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 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

N. America - British Columbia to Oregon and Texas

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Stem Edible Uses: Gum Fruit - raw or dried for later use[216, 257]. The dried fruit can be mixed into stews or used to thicken soups[183]. The fruit is dry and spiny[200]. It is up to 3cm long[235]. Young pads are boiled and fried[183, 257]. The large hairs are burnt off, the pads are boiled and the remaining thorns washed off. The pads are then dipped in a syrup made from boiling sweetcorn seeds and then eaten[216]. Seed - dried, parched and ground into a meal, then added to flour and used in making cakes etc[183].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diuretic The stems are astringent and diuretic[257]. An infusion is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[257]. A poultice of the flesh has been used to treat skin sores, infections, wounds and back aches[257].

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].