Common Name: Nopal de Cerro

General Information

Opuntia lasiacantha is a spiny, evergreen, succulent shrubby or tree-like plant with erect branches that usually arise from near the base; it can grow 50 - 400cm tall[].
The plant produces a good quality fruit known as a 'xocotuna' that is commonly harvested from the wild and sold in local markets[]. The plant is also used as a source of fuel and is grown as an ornamental[].
Opuntia lasiacantha is a common, widespread species, it faces no major threats, and it is found in several protected areas. 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

Southern N. America - central Mexico

Habitat

Lowland forest and xerophyllous scrub; at elevations from 1,400 - 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The mature fruit is persistent on the plant, it has been observed to remain on the cladodes for 12 months or more in edible condition[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. A semi-acid to slightly sweet pulp[]. Of reasonable quality[]. The spiny, obconical, greenish yellow fruit has a reddish tint; it is around 35 - 45mm long and 20 - 30mm in diameter[].

The tender young stem segments of various species are often cooked as a vegetable[]. Known as ‘nopals’ in Mexico, where 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[, ].

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[].

Other Uses

The plant is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed -

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