The
Prickly Pear Cactus...
Opuntia genus (Family Cactaceae) in the North American deserts have flat, green-grey colored fleshy pads that are also called "beavertails". The pads, which are the branches and the leaves of the plant, store water, photosynthesis and produce flowers. Prickly
Pear Cactus have been a staple food and medicine of Native Americans for
many centuries. Their large, colorful blossoms appear in yellow, pink,
red, or purple and grow from the tip of cactus nodules, which later ripen
into delicious red fruit. Many varieties of prickly pear cactus grow wild
throughout the deserts of the Southwest, but many are not native.
· Medicine – A tea prepared from the pads is said to be used to treat inflammation and ulcers. The cooked flesh is thought to be useful in treating boils, splinters, tumors, pleurisy, arthritis and rheumatism. The root is said to be crushed in water and drunk to relieve urinary burning. The baked fruit is believed to be useful for treating asthma, liver congestion and whooping cough. The fruit is rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that help keep blood sugar stable. It is believed the fruit could be useful in treating diabetes. · Food – The prickly pear fruit normally ripens and is ready for harvest during the late summer and early fall months. The fruit of most prickly pears, also called "tuna", can be eaten raw or cooked with cinnamon and butter. The fruit can also be made into jams, jellies and even wine. The pads can also be eaten cooked, battered and fried, or marinated and used as an ingredient in salads or other recipes · Ornamental – Large, beautiful flowers make this cactus a nice addition to any rock garden. · Hygiene/Beauty – The juice from the pads can be used as shampoo Flower / Fruit Characteristics: Large, 1-2 inch yellow to orange flowers with many tepals; pear shaped red to purple fruit with many seeds References: |
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