Кактус

Opuntia, commonly called the prickly pear cactus, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. Cacti are native to the Americas and are well adapted to arid climates. Opuntia ficus-indica is the most widespread and most commercially important cactus. The pads are called nopal and the fruit is called tuna. Between 8,000 and 9,000 years ago the prickly pear cactus was domesticated in central Mexico. Opuntia ficus-indica can grow up to 5 m in height, with thick, succulent stems called cladodes. The plants flower in white, yellow and red, and the fruit ranges in colour from pale green to deep red. The fruit tastes similar to sweet watermelon.

Water and mucilage

Opuntia ficus-indica contains about 85% water, which makes it a water source for wildlife in arid environments. Opuntia produces a hydrocolloid called mucilage, which forms molecular networks that can retain large amounts of water. In plants, mucilage plays a role in the storage of water and food. Cacti and other succulents are especially rich sources of mucilage. Mucilage from prickly pear may work as a natural, non-toxic dispersant for oil spills.

Chemistry

Opuntia contains diverse phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, dietary minerals and betalains. The seeds contain 3-10% protein and 6-13% fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid.

Other uses of the plant

Jams and jellies are produced from the fruit. Mexicans use Opuntia fruit to make an alcoholic drink called colonche. Cochineal dye is derived from the scale insect Dactylopius coccus, which lives on cacti of the genus Opuntia. In the Southwest United States, O. ficus-indica is cultivated as a feed source for cattle and as a boundary fence.

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