Some authorities, such as the Flora of N. America[], classify this species as Nopalea cochenillifera[].

Common Name: Cochineal Cactus

General Information

Opuntia cochenillifera is a succulent, evergreen shrubby or tree-like cactus growing 4 - 5 metres tall with a bole that can be 20cm in diameter. The stems are mainly spineless, probably the result of selective breeding to make the plants easier to harvest.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. In the past, the plant was often grown as a host plant for the cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus) - these insects were then harvested, killed and made into the red dye cochineal. Synthetic dyes have almost totally usurped this use, though the plant is still often cultivated, but only as an ornamental and hedge plant[].
Opuntia cochenillifera is an extremely widespread and abundant species as a result of introductions and cultivation. However, the original range and hence the wild population of this species is unknown and therefore, its wild status cannot be assessed. Therefore the plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' 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

Central America - Mexico, Panama. Caribbean - Cuba, Puerto Rica.

Habitat

Tropical deciduous forests, hammocks, fields, sandy soils; at elevations up to 520 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Opuntia cochenillifera is a plant of arid and semi-arid areas in the tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,500 metres, sometimes higher[].
Requires a sunny position[]. Thriving on neglect, the plant can tolerate almost any conditions so long as the soil is well-drained. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].

Edible Uses

The fruits are edible[, , , , ]. A sweet flavour[].The red, ellipsoid fruit is 3 to 5cm long by 2.5 to 3 cm wide[].

The young flattened stems are cooked and eaten as a vegetable[, , ] .A traditional method of cooking is first to boil, them, then strip of the outer skin and spines, fry them in oil with onions and chillis and season them with salt and pepper, making a slimy, acid tasting, palatable green.[]

Medicinal

The fruits and cladodes are applied in folk medicine[].
The flattened stem sections are used as poultices to treat a range of conditions including mycoses (fungal skin infections), fevers, articular rheumatism, erysipelas, ophthalmia, earache, and toothache[, , ].
The roasted branches are sliced and applied as a poultice to relieve pain, swelling, and localized burning sensations resulting from filaria[].
The grated stem, mixed with corn meal and soft grease, is warmed for external application to relieve heavy chest colds and fever associated with pneumonia[].

The pads are warmed and placed on the forehead as a refresher[].

The sap of the plant is used in the treatment of baby's colds and wheezing[].

The leaves are used in the treatment of spleen problems[].

We have no further 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 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 an important hedge plant in arid areas[, ].

Other Uses

The flattened stem sections are used as a shampoo for fine, delicate hair[].
Extracts of the flowers and of the fruits are used as ingredients in commercial cosmetic preparations as skin conditioners[].

The wood has been used to make furniture[].

Propagation

Seed -
Prickly pear is easily propagated and the tiniest bit of leaf will take root almost anywhere[].

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