Velvet prickly pear (Opuntia tomentosa)

Family: Cactaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Opuntia tomentosa is an evergreen Perennial growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 4.5 m (14ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour like guava jelly. — Edible Portion: Fruit.; Fruits are eaten raw or made into jellies and jams that have a flavour like guava jelly.; A succulent cactus chutney is made by mixing the fruit with raisins, apples, onions, lemon peel, dates, suger, vinegar, and spices.; larger fruit measure about two inches long or a little more.

Habitat & North American Range

This species is mostly found in sub-tropical, semi-arid and warmer temperate environments. It is a weed of roadsides, railways, pastures, grasslands, open woodlands, rangelands, disturbed sites and waste areas. (Zone 9)