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Scientific Name:Opuntia species
Common Name(s): Prickly pear
Edible: yes
Medicinal: no
Parts Used: fruit
Logos 13 Aug, 2008
Other Uses: The pad is a good source of water. Peel it carefully to remove all sharp hairs before putting it in your mouth. You can also use the pads to promote healing. Split them and apply the pulp to wounds.
Current Rating: 0.0000
Logos 13 Aug, 2008
CAUTION--Avoid any prickly pear cactus like plant with milky sap.
Current Rating: 0.0000
Logos 13 Aug, 2008
Description: This cactus has flat, padlike stems that are green. Many round, furry dots that contain sharp-pointed hairs cover these stems.
Current Rating: 0.0000
Logos 13 Aug, 2008
Habitat and Distribution: This cactus is found in arid and semiarid regions and in dry, sandy areas of wetter regions throughout most of the United States and Central and South America. Some species are planted in arid and semiarid regions of other parts of the world.
Current Rating: 0.0000
Logos 13 Aug, 2008
Edible Parts: All parts of the plant are edible. Peel the fruits and eat them fresh or crush them to prepare a refreshing drink. Avoid the tiny, pointed hairs. Roast the seeds and grind them to a flour.