Envoy at 16:03, 27 October 2007

2007-10-27T16:03:45Z

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:''For the Canadian [[fanzine]], see ''[[Opuntia (fanzine)]].
{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Prickly pears
| image = Opuntia littoralis var vaseyi 4.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = [[Opuntia littoralis|''Opuntia littoralis'' var. ''vaseyi'']]
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| unranked_ordo = [[Core eudicots]]
| ordo = [[Caryophyllales]]
| familia = [[Cactaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Opuntioideae]]
| tribus = [[Opuntieae]]
| genus = '''''Opuntia'''''
| genus_authority = [[Philip Miller|Mill.]]
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
| subdivision =
Many, see [[#Selected species|text]].
| synonyms =
*''Airampoa'' [[Alberto Vojtech Frič|Fric]]
*''Cactodendron'' [[Bigelow]] (nom. inval.)
*''Cactus'' [[Lem.]]
*''Chaffeyopuntia'' [[Alberto Vojtech Frič|Fric]] & [[Ernst Schelle|Schelle]]
*''Clavarioidia'' [[Kreuz.]] (nom. inval.)
*''Ficindica'' [[St.-Lag.]]
*''Nopalea'' [[Salm-Dyck]]
*''Parviopuntia'' [[Soulaire]] & [[Marn.-Lap.]] (nom. inval.)
*''Phyllarthus'' [[Neck.]] ex [[M.Gómez]] (nom. inval.)
*''Pseudotephrocactus'' [[Alberto Vojtech Frič|Fric]]
*''Salmiopuntia'' [[Alberto Vojtech Frič|Fric]] (nom. inval.)
*''Subulatopuntia'' [[Alberto Vojtech Frič|Fric]] & [[Ernst Schelle|Schelle]]
*''Tunas'' [[Joël Lunell|Lunell]]
*''Weberiopuntia'' [[Alberto Vojtech Frič|Fric]]
and see text
}}

'''''Opuntia''''' is a [[genus]] in the cactus [[family (biology)|family]], [[Cactaceae]].

Currently, only '''prickly pears''' (also known as [[nopal]] or ''nopales''; see [[#As food|below]]) are included in this genus of about 250{{Verify source|date=October 2007}} [[species]] distributed throughout most of the [[Americas]]. Chollas are now separated in the genus ''[[Cylindropuntia]]'', which some still consider a [[subgenus]] of ''Opuntia''. ''[[Austrocylindropuntia]]'', ''[[Corynopuntia]]'' and ''[[Micropuntia]]'' are also often included in the present genus, but like ''Cylindropuntia'' they seem rather well distinct. ''[[Brasiliopuntia]]'' and ''[[Miqueliopuntia]]'' are closer relatives of ''Opuntia''.

The most commonly [[culinary]] species is the [[Indian Fig Opuntia]] (''O. ficus-indica''). Most culinary uses of the term 'prickly pear' refer to this species.

== Description ==
[[Image:Prickly Pear Closeup.jpg|thumb|left|Typical [[habitus]] of an ''Opuntia'' with fruit]]
Prickly pear cacti typically grow with flat, rounded [[platyclades]] that are armed with two kinds of [[Spine (botany)|spine]]s; large, smooth, fixed spines and small, hairlike spines called [[glochid]]s that easily penetrate skin and detach from the plant. Many types of prickly pears grow into dense, tangled structures.

Prickly pear species are found in abundance in the [[Western United States|West]] and [[Southwest United States|Southwest]] of the United States and throughout much of [[Mexico]]. Prickly pears are also the only types of cactus natively found to grow in the eastern United States. ''Opuntia'' are the most cold-tolerant of the lowland cacti, extending into northern [[Canada]]; one [[subspecies]], [[Opuntia fragilis|''Opuntia fragilis'' var. ''fragilis'']], has been found growing along the [[Beatton River]] in the province of [[British Columbia]], southwest of [[Cecil Lake]] at 56° 17’ N latitude and 120° 39’ W longitude.<ref>Cota-Sánchez (2002)</ref>

[[Charles Darwin]] was the first to note that these cacti have thigmotactic [[anther]]s. This means that as its anthers are touched they curl over, depositing their [[pollen]]. This movement can be seen by gently poking the anthers of an open Opuntia [[flower]]. The same trait has [[convergent evolution|evolved convergently]] in other cacti (e.g. ''[[Lophophora]]'').
 

===Chollas===
{{main|Cylindropuntia}}
Chollas, now recognized to belong into a rather distinct genus ''Cylindropuntia'', are distinguished by having cylindrical, rather than flattened, stem segments with the large barbed spines. The stem joints of several species, notably the [[jumping cholla]] (''Cylindropuntia fulgida''), are very brittle on young stems, readily breaking off when the barbed spines stick to clothing or animal skin as a method of seed distribution. The barbed spines can remain embedded in the skin, causing significant discomfort and sometimes injury.

==''Opuntia'' and humans==
[[Image:prickly pears.jpg|thumb|left|Prickly pear fruit for sale at a market, [[Zacatecas, Zacatecas|Zacatecas]], Mexico]]
===As food===
The [[fruit]] of prickly pears, commonly called '''cactus figs''', '''Indian<ref>Originally meaning "[[Native American]]", though the [[specific name]] of ''O. ficus-indica'' and most common names literally mean "[[fig]] from [[India]]". Note also ''[[Ficus benghalensis]]'' which is both a true [[Ficus|fig tree]] and from [[South Asia]].</ref> fig''' or '''''[[tuna]]'''''{{Verify source|date=October 2007}}, is edible, although it has to be peeled carefully to remove the small spines on the outer skin before consumption. If the outer layer is not properly removed, glochids can be ingested causing discomfort of the throat, lips, and tongue as the small spines are easily lodged the skin. [[Native American]]s like the [[Tequesta]] would roll the fruit around in suitable medium (e.g. [[grit]]) to "[[sandpaper|sand]]" off the glochids. Today, [[Parthenocarpy|parthenocarpic]] (seedless) [[cultivar]]s are also available.

[[Image:Opuntia littoralis on Côte d'Azur.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Opuntia littoralis]]'' on the [[Côte d'Azur]], [[France]].]]
Cactus figs are often used to make [[candy|candies]] and [[fruit preserves|jelly]] and a refreshing drink. The fruit is a favourite in [[Cuisine of Sicily|Sicilian cuisine]], where it is called '''''ficurinnia'''''<ref name = indiafig>"[[India]]n fig"</ref>.

''[[Opuntia littoralis]]'' has been introduced to Europe and flourishes in areas with a suitable climate, such as the south of [[France]], southern [[Italy]], [[Sicily]] where they are referred to as '''''fico d'India'''''<ref name = indiafig />, along the [[Struma River]] in [[Bulgaria]], in Southern [[Portugal]] and [[Madeira]] where they are called '''''tabaibo''''' or "[[Indian fig]]s", and eastern and southern [[Spain]] as well as [[Gibraltar]] where they are known as '''''chumbo''''' or '''''higo chumbo''''' ("''chumbo'' fig").

The prickly pear also grows widely on the islands of [[Malta]] where it is enjoyed by the Maltese as a typical summer fruit and called '''''bajtra'''''. The prickly pear is so commonly found in the Maltese islands that it is often used as a dividing wall between many of Malta's characteristic terraced fields in place of the usual rubble walls.

'''[[Tungi]]''' is the local [[Saint Helena|St. Helenian]] name for cactus pears. The plants ([[Indian Fig Opuntia]]) were originally brought to the island by the colonial ivory traders from East Africa in the 1850s. Tungi cactus now grows wild and organically in the dry coastal regions of the island. Three principal cultivars of tungi grow on the island: the 'English' with yellow fruit; the 'Maderia' with large red fruit; and the small firm 'Spiny Red'.

The young [[Plant stem|stem]] segments, usually called '''''[[nopal]]es''''', are also edible in most species of ''Opuntia''. They are commonly used in [[Mexican cuisine]] in dishes such as ''huevos con nopales'' ([[egg (food)|egg]]s with nopal), or ''[[taco]]s de nopales''. Nopales are also an important ingredient in [[New Mexican cuisine]].

===Medical uses===
[[Image:PricklyPearClose.jpg|thumb|right|High resolution image of prickly pear fruit. Note the fine spines that readily dislodge.]]
Most species of ''Opuntia'' contain a range of [[alkaloid]]s in ample quantities, notably substituted [[phenethylamine]]s. While the mere presence of such compounds has been confirmed in many species without further details<ref>''[[Opuntia chlorotica]]'', ''[[Opuntia cochinellifera|O. cochinellifera]]'', ''[[Opuntia comonduensis|O. comonduensis]]'', ''[[Opuntia compressa|O. compressa]]'', ''[[Opuntia curvospina|O. curvospina]]'', ''[[Opuntia decumana|O. decumana]]'', ''[[Opuntia elatior|O. elatior]]'', ''[[Opuntia ficus-barbarica|O. ficus-barbarica]]'', ''[[Opuntia fragilis|O. fragilis]]'', ''[[Opuntia humifusa|O. humifusa]]'', ''[[Opuntia hyptiacantha|O. hyptiacantha]]'', ''[[Opuntia lindheimeri|O. lindheimeri]]'', ''[[Opuntia littoralis|O. littoralis]]'', ''[[Opuntia maxima|O. maxima]]'', ''[[Opuntia megacantha|O. megacantha]]'', ''[[Opuntia microdasys|O. microdasys]]'', ''[[Opuntia pachypus|O. pachypus]]'', ''[[Opuntia phaeacantha|O. phaeacantha]]'', ''[[Opuntia polyacantha|O. polyacantha]]'', ''[[Opuntia retrosa|O. retrosa]]'', ''[[Opuntia soehrensii|O. soehrensii]]'', ''[[Opuntia streptacantha|O. streptacantha]]'', ''[[Opuntia stricta|O. stricta]]'', ''[[Opuntia violacea|O. violacea]]'': Trenary (1997)</ref>, they have been studied more thoroughly in others. Identified compounds of medical significance include [[3-methoxytyramine]]<ref>Confirmed in ''[[Opuntia subulata]]'': Trenary (1997)</ref>, [[candicine]]<ref>Confirmed in ''[[Opuntia hickenii]]'': Trenary (1997)</ref>, [[hordenine]]<ref>Confirmed in ''[[Opuntia aurantiaca]]'' (.014%), ''[[Opuntia clavata|O. clavata]]'', ''[[Opuntia ficus-indica|O. ficus-indica]]'' (.01%), ''[[Opuntia maldonandensis|O. maldonandensis]]'' (.01%): Trenary (1997)</ref>, [[N-methyltyramine]]<ref name = clavataf-indicainvicta>Confirmed in ''[[Opuntia clavata]]'', ''[[Opuntia ficus-indica|O. ficus-indica]]'', ''[[Opuntia invicta|O. invicta]]'': Trenary (1997)</ref> and [[tyramine]]<ref name = clavataf-indicainvicta/>.

The stem of certain ''Opuntia'' spp. can be used to treat [[type II diabetes]], [[diarrhea]], and stomach ache. However, usefulness of ''Opuntia'' in treating diabetes is not at all resolved. Although some researchers have shown a blood glucose-lowering effect of ''[[Opuntia streptacantha|O. streptacantha]]''<ref>Frati-Munari ''et al.'' (1983)</ref>, another study of three other species of Opuntia (''[[Opuntia lasiacantha|O. lasiacantha]], [[Opuntia velutina|O. velutina]],'' and ''[[Opuntia macrocentra|O. macrocentra]]'') showed no such effect<ref>Keith ''et al.'' (1998)</ref>. Yet another study, on ''[[Opuntia megacantha|O. megacantha]]'', raised concern about toxic effects on the kidney<ref>Bwititi ''et al.'' (2000)</ref>.

It may be that certain species are effective and useful in diabetes while others are not but this needs to be clarified with further research before recommending its use. Furthermore, when buying nopal in the market, it is impossible to know which species one is buying and therefore whether or not it is useful in treating diabetes.

[[Indian Fig Opuntia]] (and probably others) might have a reducing effect on alcohol [[hangover]] by inhibiting the production of [[inflammation|inflammatory]] mediators. Studies have yielded differing results, with some studies witnessing significant reductions in [[nausea]], [[dry mouth]], and [[anorexia (symptom)|loss of appetite]] as well as less risk of a severe hangover<ref>Wiese ''et al.'' (2004)</ref>, while others witnessing no compelling evidence for effects on alcohol hangover<ref>Pittler ''et al.'' (2005)</ref>.

The gel-like [[sap]] of prickly pears can be used as [[hair conditioner]].{{Fact|date=April 2007}}

===As an intoxicant===
At least two commercially important [[distilled spirit]]s are produced from ''Opuntia'' fruit. On [[Malta]], the pink herbal [[Bajtra]] [[Liqueur]] is made from ''[[Opuntia littoralis|O. littoralis]]''{{Verify source|date=October 2007}}. A [[Saint Helena|St. Helenian]] distillery produces the clear, more potent [[Tungi Spirit]] from [[Indian Fig Opuntia]] cv. 'English' and 'Madeira'.

''Opuntia'' is also added sometimes to the [[entheogen]]ic drink [[Ayahuasca]]<ref>Ott (1995)</ref>. [[Psychoactive]] compounds and derivates thereof have been confirmed in some species. These include 3,4-[[DMPEA]]<ref>Confirmed in ''[[Opuntia exaltata]]'': Trenary (1997)</ref>, 4-hydroxy-3,5-DMPEA<ref>Confirmed in ''[[Opuntia basilaris]]'', ''[[Opuntia exaltata|O. exaltata]]'': Trenary (1997)</ref>, and [[mescaline]]<ref>Confirmed in ''[[Opuntia basilaris]]'' (.01%), ''[[Opuntia ficus-indica|O. ficus-indica]]'', ''[[Opuntia invicta|O. invicta]]'': Trenary (1997)</ref>.

[[Image:Cochinel Zapotec nests.jpg|thumb|left|Traditional "Zapotec nest" farming of the cochineal scale insect on ''O. ficus-indica'', [[Oaxaca]]]]
===In dye production===
{{main|Cochineal}}
''[[Dactylopius coccus]]'' is a [[scale insect|scale]] [[insect]], from which the [[cochineal]] dye is derived. ''D. coccus'' itself is native to tropical and subtropical [[South America]] and [[Mexico]]. This type of insect, a primarily [[sessile]] [[parasite]], lives on [[cactus|cacti]] from the genus ''Opuntia'', feeding on moisture and nutrients in the cactus sap. The insect produces [[carminic acid]] which deters predation by other insects. The carminic acid can be extracted from the insect's body and eggs to make the red dye.

Cochineal is primarily used as a [[red]] [[food colouring]] and for [[cosmetics]]. The cochineal dye was used by the [[Aztec]] and [[Maya civilization|Maya]] peoples of Central and North America. Produced almost exclusively in [[Oaxaca, Oaxaca|Oaxaca]], Mexico by indigenous producers, cochineal became Mexico's second most valued export after silver.<ref>Behan (1995)</ref> The dyestuff was consumed throughout Europe and was so highly valued that its price was regularly quoted on the London and Amsterdam Commodity Exchanges.

In present times, the highest production of cochineal is by [[Peru]], the [[Canary Islands]] and [[Chile]]. Current health concerns over artificial food additives have renewed the popularity of cochineal dyes, and the increased demand is making cultivation of the insect an attractive opportunity in other regions, such as in Mexico where cochineal production had declined again due to the scale insect having numerous natural enemies.<ref>Portillo M. & Vigueras G. (1988)</ref>

Apart from cochineal, the red dye [[betanin]] can be extracted from some ''Opuntia'' plants themselves.

[[Image:Mexico coat of arms.png|thumb|right|The [[Coat of arms of Mexico]].]]
===In culture===
{{main|Coat of arms of Mexico}}
The [[coat of arms of Mexico]] depicts a Mexican golden [[Eagle (heraldry)|eagle]], perched upon an Opuntia [[cactus]], devouring a [[snake]]. According to the official history of México, the coat of arms is inspired by an [[Aztec]] legend regarding the founding of Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs, then a nomadic tribe, were wandering throughout [[Mexico]] in search of a divine sign that would indicate the precise spot upon which they were to build their capital. Their god [[Huitzilopochtli]] had commanded them to find an [[eagle]] devouring a snake, perched atop a cactus that grew on a rock submerged in a lake. After two hundred years of wandering, they found the promised sign on a small island in the swampy [[Lake Texcoco]]. It was there they founded their new capital, [[Tenochtitlan]]. The cactus (''[[Opuntia ficus-indica]]''; [[Nahuatl]]: ''tenochtli''), full of fruits, is the symbol for the island of Tenochtitlan.

The 1975-1988 version of the [[Coat of arms of Malta#Coat of Arms used between 1975 and 1988|coat of arms of Malta]] also featured an opuntia.

In [[Israel]], the cactus fig is called '''''tzabar''''' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: '''צבר'''). This the origin of the slang term ''[[Sabra (person)|sabra]]'' for a native-born Israeli Jew<ref>[http://www.economist.com/daily/diary/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8160028 Over here and over there]. ''[[The Economist]]'', 2006-NOV-16. Retrieved 2007-OCT-16.</ref>.

==Ecology==
Prickly pears (mostly ''[[Opuntia stricta]]'') were imported into [[Australia]] in the 19th century for use as a natural agricultural fence and in an attempt to establish a [[cochineal]] dye industry. They quickly became a widespread [[invasive weed]], rendering 40,000 km² of farming land unproductive. The [[moth]] ''[[Cactoblastis cactorum]]'' from [[South America]], whose larvae eat prickly pear, was introduced in 1925 and almost wiped out the population. This case is often cited{{Fact|date=October 2007}} as a textbook example of successful [[biological pest control]].

The same moth, introduced accidentally further north of its native range into southern [[North America]], is causing serious damage to some native species in that area.

Other animals that eat ''Opuntia'' include the [[Prickly pear island snail]] and ''[[Cyclura]]'' rock iguanas. The fruit are relished by many aridland animals, chiefly birds, which thus help distribute the seeds. ''Opuntia'' [[pathogen]]s include the [[sac fungus]] ''[[Colletotrichum coccodes]]'' and [[Sammons' Opuntia virus]]. The [[ant]] ''[[Crematogaster opuntiae]]'' and the [[spider]] ''[[Theridion opuntia]]'' are named for their association with prickly pear cacti.

==Selected species==
Species of ''Opuntia'' are often difficult to identify due to [[hybrid]]ization. Also, not all species listed here may actually belong into this genus.
[[Image:Opuntia cochenillifera.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Opuntia cochenillifera]]'']]
[[Image:Opuntia fragilis.jpg|thumb|right|[[Little Prickly Pear]] ''[[Opuntia fragilis]]'']]
[[Image:Opuntia oricola 1.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Opuntia oricola]]'']]
[[Image:Opuntia ovata 2.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Opuntia ovata]]'']]
[[Image:Opuntia pinkavae ies.jpg|thumb|right|[[Pinkava's Prickly Pear]] (''[[Opuntia pinkavae]]''), named in honor of [[Donald John Pinkava]]]]
[[Image:Opuntia polyacantha ies.jpg|thumb|right|[[Panhandle Prickly Pear]] ''[[Opuntia polycantha]]'']]
[[Image:Opuntia robusta1GEHU.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Opuntia robusta]]'' flowers]]
[[Image:Opuntia riviereana 1.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Opuntia stenopetala]]'']]
* ''[[Opuntia aciculata]]''
* ''[[Opuntia anacantha]]''
* ''[[Opuntia atrispina]]''
* ''[[Opuntia auberi]]''
* ''[[Opuntia aurantiaca]]''
* ''[[Opuntia basilaris]]'' – Beavertail cactus
* ''[[Opuntia boldinghii]]''
* ''[[Opuntia chaffeyi]]''
* ''[[Opuntia chlorotica]]'' – [[Pancake Prickly Pear]]; native to southwest USA and the [[Sonoran desert|Sonoran]] and [[Mojave desert]]s.
* ''[[Opuntia clavata]]''
* ''[[Opuntia cochenillifera]]''
* ''[[Opuntia comonduensis]]''
* ''[[Opuntia compressa]]''
* ''[[Opuntia curvospina]]''
* ''[[Opuntia decumana]]''
* ''[[Opuntia decumbens]]'' – ''[[Nopal de Culebra]]''
* ''[[Opuntia dejecta]]''
* ''[[Opuntia echios]]
** ''Opuntia echios'' var. ''gigantea'' – Galápagos prickly pear. [[Galápagos Islands]].
* ''[[Opuntia elata]]''
* ''[[Opuntia elatior]]'' Mill. – syn. ''O. bergeriana''
* ''[[Opuntia engelmannii]]'' – Engelmann's Prickly Pear, Cow's-tongue Prickly Pear, Desert Prickly Pear, Discus Prickly Pear, Texas Prickly Pear, calico cactus
* ''[[Opuntia exaltata]]''
* ''[[Opuntia excelsa]]''
* ''[[Opuntia ficus-barbarica]]''
* ''[[Opuntia ficus-indica]]'' – Indian Fig Opuntia
* ''[[Opuntia fragilis]]'' – [[Little Prickly Pear]], [[brittle cactus]]. Found in the Great Plains and as far west as [[British Columbia]].
* ''[[Opuntia galapageia]]''
* ''[[Opuntia gosseliniana]]'' – Violet Prickly Pear
** ''Opuntia gosseliniana'' var. ''santa-rita'' – Santa Rita Prickly Pear
* ''[[Opuntia helleri]]''
* ''[[Opuntia hickenii]]''
* ''[[Opuntia humifusa]]'' – Eastern Prickly Pear (sometimes included in ''O. compressa'')
* ''[[Opuntia hyptiacantha]]''
* ''[[Opuntia inamoema]]'' K. Schum. – ''[[quipá]]''
* ''[[Opuntia insularis]]''
* ''[[Opuntia invicta]]''
* ''[[Opuntia jamaicensis]]''
* ''[[Opuntia laevis]]''
* ''[[Opuntia lasiacantha]]''
* ''[[Opuntia leucotricha]]'' – Arborescent Prickly Pear, Aaron's beard cactus, semaphore cactus, ''Duraznillo blanco'', ''Nopal blanco''
* ''[[Opuntia lindheimeri]]''
* ''[[Opuntia littoralis]]'' – [[Sprawling Prickly Pear]]
* ''[[Opuntia macbridei]]''
* ''[[Opuntia macrocentra]]'' – [[Black-spine Prickly Pear]], [[Purple Prickly Pear]]. Found in southwest USA and northern Mexico.
* ''[[Opuntia macrorhiza]]'' – [[Plains Prickly Pear]]. Found throughout the Great Plains except for the northernmost areas (not found in [[North Dakota]]), and extending sporadically eastward as far as [[Kentucky]]. Syn. ''O. leptocarpa'' MacKensen, ''O. tenuispina'' Engelm., ''O. tortispina'' Engelm. & Bigelow
* ''[[Opuntia maldonandensis]]''
* ''[[Opuntia maxima]]''
* ''[[Opuntia megacantha]]''
* ''[[Opuntia megarrhiza]]''
* ''[[Opuntia megasperma]]''
* ''[[Opuntia microdasys]]'' – Bunny ears cactus, Polka-dot cactus
* ''[[Opuntia monacantha]]'' – Common Prickly Pear
* ''[[Opuntia oricola]]''
* ''[[Opuntia ovata]]''
* ''[[Opuntia pachypus]]''
* ''[[Opuntia pachyrrhiza]]''
* ''[[Opuntia phaeacantha]]'' – Tulip Prickly Pear. Includes Plateau Prickly Pear, Brown-spined Prickly Pear, Mojave Prickly Pear, Kingman Prickly Pear.
* ''[[Opuntia pinkavae]]'' – [[Pinkava's Prickly Pear]]
* ''[[Opuntia polyacantha]]'' – [[Panhandle Prickly Pear]]. Found in the Great Plains, [[Great Basin]], Mojave Desert, [[Colorado Plateau]], and the [[Rocky Mountains]]. Syn. ''O. rhodantha'' K.Schum.
** ''Opuntia polyacantha'' var. ''arenaria'' (syn. ''O. erinacea'')
* ''[[Opuntia pubescens]]'' (syn. ''O. pascoensis'' Britton & Rose)
* ''[[Opuntia pusilla]]'' – [[Creeping cactus]]. Syn. ''O. drummondii'' Graham
* ''[[Opuntia repens]]''
* ''[[Opuntia retrosa]]''{{Verify source|date=October 2007}}
* ''[[Opuntia robusta]]''
* ''[[Opuntia rufida]]'' (sometimes included in ''O. microdasys'')
* ''[[Opuntia saxicola]]''
* ''[[Opuntia schumannii]]''
* ''[[Opuntia soehrensii]]''
* ''[[Opuntia stenopetala]]'' (syn. ''O. riviereana'' Backeb.)
* ''[[Opuntia streptacantha]]''
* ''[[Opuntia stricta]]'' – Erect Prickly Pear, Spineless Prickly Pear, Coastal Prickly Pear
* ''[[Opuntia subulata]]'' – found in South America
* ''[[Opuntia sulphurea]]''
* ''[[Opuntia taylori]]''
* ''[[Opuntia tehuantepecana]]'' – ''[[Nopal de Caballo]]''
* ''[[Opuntia tomentosa]]'' – [[Woollyjoint Prickly Pear]]
* ''[[Opuntia triacantha]]''
* ''[[Opuntia tuna]]''
* ''[[Opuntia velutina]]''
* ''[[Opuntia violacea]]''

[[Image:Jumping Cholla-JRO.jpg|thumb|right|An ''Opuntia'' in front of a [[Jumping Cholla]] (''Cylindropuntia fulgida'')]]
===Formerly in ''Opuntia''===
* ''[[Austrocylindropuntia]]''
* ''[[Brasiliopuntia]]''
* ''[[Corynopuntia]]''
* ''[[Cylindropuntia]]''
* ''[[Disocactus phyllanthoides]]'' (as ''Opuntia speciosa'')
* ''[[Micropuntia]]''
* ''[[Miqueliopuntia]]''

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* {{aut|Behan, Jeff}} (1995): The bug that changed history. ''Boatman's Quarterly Rreview'' '''8'''(2). [http://www.gcrg.org/bqr/8-2/bug.htm HTML fulltext]
* {{aut|Bwititi, P.; Musabayane, C.T. & Nhachi, C.F.B.}} (2000): Effects of ''Opuntia megacantha'' on blood glucose and kidney function in streptozotocin diabetic rats. ''Journal of Ethnopharmacology'' '''69'''(3): 247-252. {{doi|10.1016/S0378-8741(99)00123-3}} PMID 10722207 (HTML abstract)
* {{aut|Cota-Sánchez, J. Hugo}} (2002): Taxonomy, distribution, rarity status and uses of Canadian Cacti. ''Haseltonia'' '''9''': 17-25{{Verify source|date=October 2007}} [http://www.usask.ca/biology/cota-sanchez/lab/sec/canadian_cacti_abstract.pdf PDF abstract]
* {{aut|Frati-Munari, A.C.; Fernandez-Harp, J.A.; de la Riva, H.; Ariza-Andraca, R. & del Carmen Torres, M.}} (1983): Effects of nopal (''Opuntia'' sp.) on serum lipids, glycemia and body weight. ''Archivos de investigacion medica'' '''14'''(2): 117-125. PMID 6314922 [Article in English, Spanish]
* {{aut|Ott, Jonathan}} (1995): [http://www.serendipity.li/dmt/hoasca.html#tbl1 Ayahuasca Additive Plants]. ''In: Ayahuasca Analogues: Pangaean Entheogens''.
* {{aut|Pittler, Max H.; Verster, Joris C. & Ernst, Edzard}} (2005): Interventions for preventing or treating alcohol hangover: systematic review of randomised controlled trials. ''[[British Medical Journal|Brit. Med. J.]]'' '''331'''(7531): 1515-1518. {{doi|10.1136/bmj.331.7531.1515}} PMID 16373736 [http://www.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/331/7531/1515.pdf PDF fulltext]
* {{aut|Portillo M., Liberato & Vigueras G., Ana Lilia}} (1988): Natural Enemies of Cochineal (''Dactylopius coccus'' Costa): Importance in Mexico. ''Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development'' '''3''': 43-49. [http://www.jpacd.org/Jpacd98/portil.pdf PDF fulltext]
* {{aut|Rayburn, Keith M.D.; Martinez, Rey; Escobedo, Miguel; Wright, Fred & Farias, Maria}} (1998): Glycemic Effects of Various Species of Nopal (''Opuntia'' sp.) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. ''Texas Journal of Rural Health'' '''16'''(1): 68-76.
* {{aut|Trenary, Klaus}} (1997): Visionary Cactus Guide: ''[http://users.lycaeum.org/~iamklaus/opuntia.htm Opunita]'' [''sic'']. Retrieved 2007-OCT-15.
* {{aut|Wiese, Jeff; McPherson, Steve; Odden, Michelle C. & Shlipak, Michael G.}} (2004): Effect of ''Opuntia ficus indica'' [''sic''] on Symptoms of the Alcohol Hangover. ''[[Archives of Internal Medicine|Arch. Intern. Med.]]'' '''164'''(12): 1334-1340. [http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/164/12/1334.pdf PDF fulltext]

==External links==
{{commonscat|Opuntia}}
* [http://opuntiads.com Opuntiads of the USA]
* [http://cactus-guide.com/prickly-pear-cactus/to-save-a-dying-prickly-pear/ Prickly Pear Cactus] at cactus-guide.com

Prickly pear - Revision history

Envoy at 16:03, 27 October 2007