Nopal

Scientific Name: Opuntia ficus indica

Data Collected: April 22nd, 2011

Location:  Jocotitlan, State of Mexico. Side of a dirt road.

Habitat: Nopals do very well in hot,dry weather during the summer and benefit from full sun most of the day. It is essential that it is in soil that drains well. Not much rain/water is needed.

Nativity: It is native to Central Mexico.

Special Notes: The nopal is used highly for nutrional purposes. It produces large sweet fruits, called tuna, which come from the flowers. The flowers appear around early May and the fruits ripen around August. People from Mexico also eat the young cactus pads, which are called the nopales, before the spines harden. An alcoholic drink is also made from Opuntia ficus indica.

Resources:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opuntia_ficus-indica

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