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Summary

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant 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].

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.
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].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye Gum Mordant

The peeled stems have been used as a mordant in fixing dyes[257]. A pink to red dye is obtained from the fruit[257]. A gum is obtained from the stem that can be used as an adhesive[257].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a sandy or very well-drained soil[160]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 to 7.5[200]. Must be kept fairly dry in winter but likes a reasonable supply of water in the growing season[200]. A position at the base of a south-facing wall or somewhere that can be protected from winter rain is best for this plant. Requires warmth and plenty of sun. Plants tolerate considerable neglect. This species is very cold tolerant and can succeed outdoors in a selected site in many areas of the country[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a very well-drained compost in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from winter wet. Make sure you have some reserve plants in case those outdoors do not overwinter. Cuttings of leaf pads at any time in the growing season. Remove a pad from the plant and then leave it in a dry sunny place for a couple of days to ensure that the base is thoroughly dry and has begun to callous. Pot up into a sandy compost. Very easy, rooting quickly.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Saskatchewan (south), Alberta (south), British Columbia (south)), United States (Kansas (w. & n.e.), Nebraska (west), North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma (Cimarron Co.), Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas (west), Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah), Mexico (Chihuahua (north))

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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 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 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 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

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.

Opuntia polyacantha - Haw.