Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus)
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with long, thick, striped leaves in shades of green and cream.
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
USDA Zone: 8-11
Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Plant form: Large bush
Mature height: 5-10 ft
Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Moderate
Flower color: Red, crimson, vinous
Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growingThis 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)
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) showing thick green leaves and a small pink flower bud.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with green flat pads and small pink flower buds attached
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with a vibrant pink flower budding from a green pad
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with vibrant pink flower buds growing from flat green cactus pads.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) showing vibrant green succulent pads with small, sharp curved brown spines.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with distinct elongated green and yellow segments spreading upward.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with variegated green stem segments and small orange flowers near base.
Opuntia cochenillifera Variegated form
Opuntia cochenillifera Variegated form
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) shows pink flowers growing on thick flat green cactus pads.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with yellow and green variegated flat pads and small pink flowers.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with elongated pads showing light and dark green marbled colorations.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) displaying a pink flower emerging from a wide flat green pad.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) stems with flat pads and small pink flower buds.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) displaying vibrant pink flowers on thick green, succulent pads.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with a green variegated pad growing in a black plastic container.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with vibrant red flowers emerging from thick green succulent pads
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with green flat pads and small pink flower buds on stems.
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with vibrant red flowers and flat succulent green pads
Opuntia cochenillifera (Cochineal Cactus) with flat green pads and tiny pink flower buds
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/opuntia_cochenillifera.htm