Common Name: Nopal de Lenguita

General Information

Opuntia auberi is a spiny, much-branched, tree-like or shrubby cactus with segmented stems; it usually grows around 3 - 5 metres tall, occasionally to 7 metres. Individual stem segments can be 19 - 27cm long and 25 - 45mm wide[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown widely for food in Mexico[], and is also cultivated as a living fence to mark boundaries and act as a stock-proof barrier[].
Opuntia auberi is widely cultivated in Mexico. The natural range is fairly restricted but it is reasonably abundant. Whilst there are threats in the coastal areas of its range caused by expanding tourist developments, these are not considered to be major for the species as a whole. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].

Known Hazards

The plant has numerous minutely barbed glochids - these are barbed spines that are usually small to minute and are very sharp and brittle. The glochids are very easily dislodged when the plant is touched and can penetrate the skin where, because of their barbs, they become stuck and are very difficult to see and remove. They can cause considerable irritation and discomfort[, ].
Opuntia species can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, especially in older parts of the plant. Perfectly alright in small quantities, foods containing oxalic acid should not be eaten in large amounts since it can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[, ].

Botanical References

,

Range

C. America - Honduras, Guatemala; Southern N. America - southern to central Mexico; Caribbean - Cuba

Habitat

Dry, deciduous forest and disturbed open areas; at elevations from 1,000 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Stems - raw or cooked[, ].
The tender young stem segments of various Opuntia species are widely used as a food, especially in Mexico and parts of southern USA. Known as ‘nopals’ in Mexico they are a common ingredient in numerous dishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked, used in marmalades, soups, stews and salads. The most commonly used species are Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia matudae, although the stems of almost all Opuntia species are edible[, ].

Flowers- cooked[]. Opuntia flower buds are a rich source of calcium and soluble fibre, as well as containing significant protein[]

Fruit - raw[]. A red flesh[]. The red, obovoid fruits are 35 - 46mm long and 22 - 25mm wide[].

Medicinal

We have no specific information on medicinal uses for this species, but the following notes are likely to apply universally to Opuntia species and other related genera[].

The flesh of tender young stem segments can be applied as a poultice to reduce inflammation[].
The mucilage and soluble fibre found in the flowers and stem segments have been shown to help control blood-sugar levels associated with adult-onset diabetes[].
There is clinical evidence that the soluble fibre in the stem segments helps reduce blood cholesterol levels[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is grown as a living fence in Guatemala, where it forms an effective stock-proof barrier and acts as a boundary marker[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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