| Eastern prickly pear | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Species: | O. humifusa |
| Binomial name | |
| Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. | |
Opuntia humifusa,commonly known as thedevil's-tongue,[2]eastern prickly pear orIndian fig, is acactus of the genusOpuntia present in parts of theeastern United States, southeasternCanada, and northeasternMexico.[3]
As is the case in otherOpuntia species, the green stems of this low-growingperennial cactus are flattened, and are formed of segments.Barbed bristles are found around the surfaces of the segments, and longer spines are sometimes present.[4] The flowers are yellow to gold in color, and are found along the margins of mature segments. The flowers are waxy and sometimes have red centers. They measure 4–6 cm (1+5⁄8–2+3⁄8 in) across. This cactus blooms in the late spring.
The juicy red or purplefruits measure from3–5 cm (1+1⁄8–2 in). As the fruit matures, it changes color from green to red, and often remains on the cactus until the following spring. There are 6 to 33 small, flat, light-coloredseeds in each fruit.
Some botanists treat this cactus as a variety ofO. compressa: henceO. c. var.humifusa, or a synonym ofO. compressa. Those recognizing this species treatO. rafinesquii as a junior synonym.
This species naturally occurs along the East Coast of the United States, including on barrier islands from theFlorida Keys to coastalMassachusetts.[5] Eastern prickly pear is found in scattered locations fromNew Mexico andMontana eastward,[6] and is one of two cactus species native to the eastern United States, along with the relatedO. cespitosa.[7] Since eastern prickly pear grows in hot, sunny locations with thin soil that does not hold water, it is found in shale barrens, which are accumulations of thin, flat, eroded sedimentary rock on steep slopes with southern exposures – essentially a desert microclimate – in theAppalachian Mountains.[8][9]
In Canada, the species grows naturally in small pockets ofSouthern Ontario, along the banks ofLake Erie.
This plant is very intolerant of shade and instead thrives in sunny, hot and dry environments with well-draining, sandysoil.[10]O. humifusa will grow in open areas in sandy, rocky and coastal scrub habitats. It is capable of surviving cool winters unlike many cacti, although harsh winter storms are known to cause habitat loss.[10]
The fruits are edible,[11] but have small spiny bristles. The pulp can be scooped and the seeds strained out to make syrup or jelly. The seeds can be briefly roasted and ground into meal.[12] Young cactus segments can be roasted to remove spines, then peeled and sliced to be eaten like string beans; alternatively, they can be deep fried. The leafy segments can be peeled and chewed for emergency hydration.[12]
Opuntia humifusa has also provided traditional medicine uses in Indian, American, Mexican, and Korean cultures.[13] The stem produces an extract that is high in concentrations ofpolyphenols andflavonoids. It has also been found thatOpuntia humifusa has been associated withendophytic fungi.[14]
