Opuntia ficus-indica     
Indian fig   
Cactaceae Family     

Opuntia ficus-indica

Form: massive trunk-forming segmented cactus
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: to 15ft, spread to 10ft
Leaves: large pads bearing few (if any) spines; glochids may or may not be present; pads oblong-shaped, 10-20in long, width 1/2 to 2/3 length; pads are edible
Flowers: on perimeter of pads; yellow or orange cup-shaped flowers along edge of pads; bloom in spring or early summer
Fruit: edible fruit, roundish, to 3.5in long; green ripening to attractive purple color
Stems/Trunks: old pads form woody stem
Range/Origin: uncertain; in widespread cultivation
Hardiness: to mid 20s; damaged in low 20s

springtime bloom on Opuntia ficus-indica

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• specimen plant
• backdrop
• fence or barrier
• food source for wildlife

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full or reflected sun
• Water: natural rainfall; pads shrivel in times of drought indicating need for supplemental water
• Soil: adaptable, good drainage
• Propagation: vegetative cuttings, single pads or larger segments
• Maintenance: minimal; cleanup of trash around base; large arms sometimes break off

NOTES:

aka Tuna Cactus
both the fruit and pads are edible

mass planting used as a barrier hedge

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This page was first created August 24, 2001 and last modified May 15, 2004.

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Web page design and photographs by Toni Moore, Master Gardener
email to: tmoore1@flash.net

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