|
|
Opuntia ficus-indica
Indian Fig, Barbary Fig, Prickly Pear
| The edible prickly pear and the infamous cholla are two distinct members of this diverse group of desert plants. They represent, respectively, the two halves of this genus -- plants with flat, broad joints, and those with cylindrical ones. Regardless, all Opuntias have many-petaled, showy flowers in yellow, white, orange, purple or red, and edible fruits. Need full sun and excellent drainage. Watch out for tufts of small bristles that dot the leaves. |
The trunk of this large shrub or tree sometimes grows to 3 feet in diameter. Instead of spines, it has clusters of bristles. The edible fruit is yellow, orange, red, or purple in different cultivars. The digit-like green "joints" grow anywhere from 15-20 inches long.
|
Attributes - Opuntia ficus-indica
Plant Type: Succulent
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Mid Summer
Flower Color: Yellow
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 3 ft. to 18 ft.
Width: 15 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Climate: Zones 9, 10, 11
Notes: Thrives in Dry Climates, Hot Climates. Container Plants, Drought Tolerant, Edible, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers.
|
Related Plants
Opuntia basilaris, Opuntia bigelovii, Opuntia echinocarpa, Opuntia fulgida, Opuntia littoralis littoralis, Opuntia littoralis vaseyi, Opuntia macrocentra, Opuntia microdasys, Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia robusta, Opuntia spinosior, Opuntia tunicata, Opuntia vulgaris variegata
|