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Summary
The Opuntia robusta, commonly known as the wheel cactus or robust prickly pear, is a multipurpose plant with edible fruits and stem segments. The deep red, globose to ellipsoidal fruits, measuring 7–9 cm long, can be eaten raw or cooked and are noted for their good-quality semi-acidic or slightly sweet pulp. Interestingly, the peel of the fruit can be fried and enjoyed as a snack, similar to French fries. The robust, glaucous blue-green stem segments are round to oblong, ranging from 20–25 cm long and 10–12 cm wide, and are also edible raw or cooked. These tender young pads, known as “nopals” in Mexican cuisine, are widely used in marmalades, soups, stews, salads, and other dishes. However, species like Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia hyptiacantha are more commonly used. The fruits, known as “tunas,” are typically harvested in late summer to early fall, depending on the specific species and local climate. Opuntia robusta is a valuable plant for its culinary versatility and adaptability to arid environments.
Physical Characteristics

Opuntia robusta is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
O. albicans Salm-Dyck. O. albicans var. laevior Salm-Dyck. O. camuessa F.A.C.Weber. O. flavicans Lem. O. gorda Griffiths. O. guerrana Griffiths. O. larreyi F.A.C.Weber ex J.M.Coult. O. megalarthra Rose. O. piccolomini Anon. O. prate Sabine ex Pfeiff. O. pruinosa Salm-Dyck. O. robusta var. albicans (Salm-Dyck) Schelle. O. robusta var. guerrana (Griffiths) Sánchez-Mej. O. obusta var. larreyi (F.A.C.Weber ex J.M.Coult.) Bravo. O. robusta var. longiglochidiata Backeb. O. robusta var. megalarthra (Rose) K.Hammer.
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw or cooked[338, 1438 ]. A semi-acid or slightly sweet pulp[2006 ]. Of good quality[1990 ]. The peel is consumed fried, resembling French fried potatoes[1990 ]. The globose to ellipsoidal, somewhat tuberculate, deep red fruits are 7 - 9cm long[1987 ]. Stem segments - raw or cooked[338, 1438, 1990 ]. The robust, glaucous blue-green stem segments are round to oblong, 20 - 25cm long and 10 - 12cm wide[1987 ]. Various species' tender young stem segments are often cooked as vegetables [411 ]. Known as ‘nopals’ in Mexico, where they are a common ingredient in numerous dishes, they can be eaten raw or cooked and used in marmalades, soups, stews and salads. The most commonly used species are Opuntia ficus-indica or Opuntia hyptiacantha (syn Opuntia matudae), although the stems of almost all Opuntia species are edible[411, 2001 ]. The fruits (tunas) are typically harvested in late summer to autumn, around late summer to early fall, depending on the species and climate.
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
We have no specific information on medicinal uses for this species, but the following notes will likely apply universally to Opuntia species and other related genera[K ]. The flesh of tender young stem segments can be applied as a poultice to reduce inflammation[411 ]. The mucilage and soluble fibre found in the flowers and stem segments have been shown to help control blood sugar levels associated with adult-onset diabetes[1999 ]. Clinical evidence shows that the soluble fibre in the stem segments helps reduce blood cholesterol levels[1999 ].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
The juice extracted from the leaves is used as a skin conditioner in commercial cosmetic preparations [1243 ]. The plant is also used as fuel for cooking, etc. [1990 ]. The pads (or cladodes) are valued as fodder, as with many Opuntia species. The edible fruit of this species is popular, and cattle and people eat young pads (it is the most edible of all the species) [2-6]. Often planted for erosion control, as an ornamental, or to form impenetrable hedges due to its spiny nature. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Prickly pear flowers are known for being rich in nectar and attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): The fruit (tunas) and pads (nopales) of prickly pear are edible and provide food for various wildlife, including birds and mammals. The pads can also offer some shelter for small animals. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): The pads and spines can provide shelter for invertebrates, and the leaf litter around the base can serve as a habitat for beneficial insects. Pest Confuser (Smell): While prickly pears may have some aromatic qualities, they are not specifically recognised for confusing or deterring pests.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Soil Texture: Thrives in light (sandy), medium, and gravelly or rocky soils. It is highly adaptable and can grow in poor, nutrient-deficient soils. Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist soils. It is drought-tolerant and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Drainage: Requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Grows well in arid and semi-arid environments with minimal water. Soil pH: Tolerates a wide range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to alkaline. Saline Tolerance: Moderately tolerant of saline conditions, making it suitable for coastal and arid environments. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It thrives in poor soils, including rocky or degraded soils. Light Requirements: Requires full sun for optimal growth. Shade significantly reduces its vigour and flowering. Height: Grows to about 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) tall and can spread up to 3–4 meters (10–13 feet) wide. Its growth habit can form dense thickets over time. Pollination: its large yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other insects.Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 9–11. While it tolerates high heat and arid conditions, it is frost-sensitive and should be protected in colder regions. Drought Tolerance: Extremely drought-tolerant, making it ideal for xeriscaping. Flowering: Produces large, bright yellow flowers in late spring to summer, followed by large, round, edible red to purple fruits (tunas). Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally be affected by cochineal scale (visible as white, cottony patches) or fungal issues in overly wet soils. Pruning: Minimal pruning is required unless controlling its spread. Remove dead or damaged pads to maintain plant health. Opuntia robusta is a plant of arid and semi-arid regions in the subtropical and tropical regions of Mexico. The plant is often cultivated and has become naturalised in many areas as a weed. The mature fruit is persistent on the plant; it has been observed to remain on the cladodes for 12 months or more in edible conditions [2006 ]. The native range of this species is Mexico. It is a succulent shrub or tree and grows primarily in the desert or dry shrubland biome. It has been introduced into Algeria, Argentina Northeast, Baleares, Canary Is., Cape Provinces, Corse, France, Free State, Greece, Italy, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, New South Wales, Northern Provinces, Sicilia, South Australia, Spain, Tunisia, Victoria, Western Australia [2-5]. The fruits (tunas) are typically harvested in late summer to autumn, around late summer to early fall, depending on the species and climate.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed. Propagates easily from pads (cuttings) or seeds. Allow cut pads to dry for a few days before planting to prevent rot.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Silver dollar, Silver dollar cactus, Silver dollar prickly pear, Sweet purple cactus, Wheel cactus, Wheel pear.
Native Range
Native to: Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest [2-5].
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Wheel cactus (Opuntia robusta) is considered an environmental weed in Victoria and South Australia. It was recently listed as a priority environmental weed in four Natural Resource Management regions. It forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Least Concern
Related Plants
|
Latin Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
Cylindropuntia spp. | Cholla | Perennial | 2.0 |
8-12
| S | LMH | SN | D | 3 | 0 | 4 |
Opuntia compressa | Eastern Prickly Pear, Prickly Pear Cactus | Perennial | 0.2 |
8-10
| F | LM | N | D | 3 | 1 | 2 |
Opuntia dillenii | Dillen prickly pear, | Perennial | 1.0 |
10-12
| M | LM | N | DM | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Opuntia engelmannii | Engelmann’s Prickly Pear | Shrub | 2.5 |
8-11
| F | LMH | N | DM | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Opuntia erinacea | Mojave Prickly Pear | Perennial | 0.5 |
8-11
| | LM | N | D | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Opuntia ficus-indica | Prickly Pear, Barbary fig | Perennial | 5.0 |
8-11
| | LM | N | D | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Opuntia fragilis | Prickly Pear, Brittle pricklypear | Perennial | 0.1 |
7-10
| | LM | N | D | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Opuntia howeyi | | Perennial | 0.0 |
-
| | LM | N | D | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Opuntia humifusa | Eastern Prickly Pear | Shrub | 0.2 |
4-10
| M | LM | N | DM | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Opuntia imbricata | Tree Chola | Perennial | 3.0 |
8-11
| | LM | N | D | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Opuntia littoralis | Western Prickly Pear | Perennial | 0.6 |
-
| | LM | N | D | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Opuntia macrorhiza | Twist-Spine Prickly Pear | Perennial | 0.1 |
8-11
| | LM | N | D | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Opuntia microdasys | Bunny Ears, Angel's-wings | Perennial | 0.6 |
7-10
| | LM | N | D | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Opuntia phaeacantha | Bastard Fig, Tulip pricklypear | Perennial | 0.5 |
8-11
| | LM | N | D | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Opuntia polyacantha | Plains Prickly Pear, El Paso pricklypear, Grizzlybear pricklypear, Navajo Bridge pricklypear, Hairsp | Perennial | 0.2 |
3-7
| | LM | N | D | 3 | 1 | 2 |
Opuntia ramosissima | Branched Pencil Cholla | Perennial | 0.6 |
7-10
| | LM | N | D | 3 | 0 | 2 |
Opuntia tomentosa | Velvet prickly pear, Woollyjoint Pricklypear | Perennial | 4.5 |
9-12
| M | LM | N | DM | 3 | 0 | 3 |
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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
H.L.Wendl. ex Pfeiff.
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Opuntia robusta
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