Opuntia ficus-indica

Opuntia ficus -indica with fruits

Opuntia ficus -indica is a species in the genus Opuntia ( Opuntia ) from the cactus family ( Cactaceae ). The specific epithet means ficus-indica prickly pear. The fruits are edible and are called cactus figs. The young leaves are also edible and are part of the Mexican standard kitchen.

Description

Opuntia ficus- indica growing shrubby or tree-like and reaches stature heights between 1-6 meters. Usually a clear trunk up to 35 cm is available. The differently shaped green shoot sections are narrow to broad obovate or oblong. They are 20 to 60 inches long and 10 to 25 inches wide. The narrow elliptical areoles are 2 to 5 inches apart. They are set with brown or yellow glochids that drop soon. The thorns are inconspicuous and often absent.

The flowers are terminal on the shoot, are yellow to red and have a diameter of 5 to 10 inches. The egg-shaped to oblong, green, orange or red fruits are 6 to 10 inches long. They are set with glochids and sometimes with thorns.

Systematics and distribution

Opuntia ficus -indica is probably from Mexico. Due to the long cultivation of the kind the original distribution is not known. The nature is wild in South America, Australia and the Mediterranean region. Molecular genetic studies suggest that Opuntia ficus -indica is a domesticated form of Opuntia megacantha.

The first description as Cactus ficus -indica was made in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. Philip Miller presented the type 1768 in the genus Opuntia.

Use

It is consumed the interior of the fruit with edible seeds also. This, depending on the variety, yellow-orange to red flesh has a sweet - sour taste. The fruit can be either raw, enjoy a jam or liquor Bajtra.

Evidence