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

Common Name: Cochineal Cactus

General Information

Cochineal cactus is a succulent, evergreen shrub or small tree 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 has edible fruits and stems, which are gathered from the wild for local use. 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[].

Known Hazards

Species in this genus generally have numerous minutely barbed glochids (hairs) that are easily dislodged when the plant is touched and they then become stuck to the skin where they are difficult to see and remove. They can cause considerable discomfort[].

Botanical References

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Range

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

Habitat

Hammocks, fields, sandy soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of arid and semi-arid areas in the tropics, 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[, , ]. 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[].

Medicinal

The fruits and cladodes are applied in folk medicine[].
The flattened stem sections are used as poultices to treat mycoses (fungal skin infections) and fevers[, ].
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[].

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[].

Propagation

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

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