TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA
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Opuntia cochenillifera, Nopalea cochenillifera, Opuntia nuda
Cochineal Cactus, Warm hand, Velvet Opuntia, Nopales Opuntia, Nopal CactusFamily: Cactaceae
Origin: Mexico
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
This variety of opuntia has thornless, pleasant to touch thick leaves. During summer hot day leaves warm up and their touch reminds of a warm hand touch. The plant will form a nice ornamental shrub. Flowers are bright red to crimson. Very fast growing, will thrive in neglect, tolerates almost any conditions. Perfect plant for a lazy gardener.
This is a nearly spineless variety of cactus that is easy to prepare, and has a delightful taste both raw and cooked. Sometimes can be confused with Opuntia monacantha that usually has more thorns. Related species - Opuntia tomentosa.
Similar plants:
- Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis, Opuntia brasiliensis (Brazilian Prickly Pear)
- Consolea rubescens, Opuntia rubescens (Road Kill Cactus)
- Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, Opuntia leptocaulis (Desert Christmas Cactus, Desert Christmas Ccholla, Pencil Cactus)
- Opuntia macrocentra, Opuntia santa-rita, Opuntia violacea var. santa-rita (Santa Rita Prickly Pear)
- Opuntia microdasys (Angel's-wings, Bunny Ears Cactus, Bunny Cactus, Polka-dot Cactus)
- Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia engelmanii (Prickly Pear)
- Opuntia rufida (Prickly Pear)
- Opuntia sp. (Prickly Pear)
- Opuntia tomentosa (Tree Pear, Velvet Opuntia)
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/opuntia_cochenillifera.htm
This is a very valuable edible used as a vegetable, with many medicinal properties. One of them is amazing affect on diabetes, people who regularly use this vegetable in their diet claim they were able to get rid of this illness. Stir fry or saute with some onions, garlic, etc.
Prickly Pear is fast-growing desert plant with showy bright red flowers. Drought tolerant, but also doesn't mind Florida rains. It will grow in neglect and pretty much any conditions. Perfect for easy landscaping.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Prickly Pear is fast-growing desert plant with showy bright red flowers. Drought tolerant, but also doesn't mind Florida rains. It will grow in neglect and pretty much any conditions. Perfect for easy landscaping.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
This item is certified for shipping to California.
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot
In stock
$19.95