Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus)
Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia
Botanical names: Opuntia cochenillifera, Nopalea cochenillifera, Opuntia nuda
Common names: Cochineal Cactus, Warm hand, Velvet Opuntia, Nopales Opuntia, Nopal Cactus
Family: 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: Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus)
- Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis (Brazilian Prickly Pear)
- Consolea rubescens (Road Kill Cactus)
- Cylindropuntia leptocaulis (Desert Christmas Cactus)
- Opuntia macrocentra (Santa Rita Prickly Pear)
- Opuntia microdasys (Angel's-wings)
- Opuntia phaeacantha (Prickly Pear)
- Opuntia rufida (Prickly Pear)
- Opuntia sp. (Prickly Pear)
- Opuntia tomentosa (Tree Pear)
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/opuntia_cochenillifera.htm
This is a very valuable edible used as a vegetable,... more
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot, large plant
In stock
$29.95
This item is certified for shipping to all states/territories, including Puerto Rico (with phytocertificate), US VI (with phytocertificate), Louisiana, Arizona, Texas, California (with phytocertificate).
Variegated form of Prickly Pear, very ornamental.
It 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
It 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
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot
This item is certified for shipping to all states/territories, including Puerto Rico (with phytocertificate), US VI (with phytocertificate), Louisiana, Arizona, Texas, California (with phytocertificate).