Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus, Prickly Pear, Barbary Fig

This may be what I planted cuttings of years back in our yard. They are 13' now at their highest points. Have orange tinted yellow flow...Read Moreers, and orange tinted (when ripe) fruits with lots of seeds, which have a nice, light, flavor . . . sort of like pears. I just wish the Cochineal insect didn't favor it so much . . . But, the fact that it's growing in heavy clay stresses it & likely makes it more inviting to them. ): I planted them closer together than I should have, so together they are about 20' wide. I also made the mistake of pruning it a bit like a tree . . . which --after a good rain-- often causes at least one very heavy branch to become so heavy that it will snap off . . . so, we stay away from it for a week after a good rain!

I grow at this time 6 varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica. All of my varieties are hertiage varieties dating back hundreds to a couple thou...Read Moresand years. Ficus-indica is a hybrid grown from many Opuntia species. Some varieties were developed in certain locations for different qualities. Not all Opuntia ficus-indica are created equal. I have never had freeze or pest issues and with pruning constant new growth grows. I have some that fruit with very little seed content. My next variety will be the Burbank spineless. This name is constantly used for plants not Burbank but I located true Burbank. He did also work with other species as well. There is a variegated form called " Sunburst".

This variety or form of O. ficus-indica has elongated cladodes (pads) and is just as edible as the regular O. ficus-indica.

...Read More Other synonyms of this plant are: Opuntia lanceolata, Cactus elongatus, Cactus decumanus, Opuntia ficus-indica var. gymnocarpa.

Nearly spineless and very neat and attractive Opuntia variety. Great for landscaping and not too dangerous. Not sure what the cold hard...Read Moreiness is. Nice pale sea-green color.