LWS Cactus Pear Opuntia Ficus Indica 10 Seeds USPS Shipping

Named for its pear-like shape and size, the cactus pear comes from one of several varieties of opuntia cactus. Its prickly skin can range in color from green to purplish red; its soft, porous flesh (scattered with black seeds) from light yellow-green to deep pink. Also called prickly pear, this fruit has a melonlike aroma and a sweet but rather bland flavor. The fruits grow on the edges large, flat, green paddles called nopales in Spanish. The cactus fruit itself is called tuna in Spanish. The cactus paddles are also edible, and can be grilled, sauteed or pickled. Both are extremely popular in Mexico, Central and South America, the Mediterranean countries and Southern Africa, and have gained popularity in the United States.

* The fruit is eaten raw, cooked or dried for later use. Sweet and gelatinous. 
  Very refreshing, they are somewhat like a watermelon in flavour. The fruits are up 
  to 10cm long and 9cm wide.
* Requires a sandy or very well-drained soil. Prefers a pH in the range 6 to 7.5. 
  Plants must be kept fairly dry in the winter but they like a reasonable supply of water 
  in the growing season. A position at the base of a south-facing wall or somewhere that 
  can be protected from winter rain is best for this plant. Requires warmth and plenty of sun.
* The flowers are astringent and are used to reduce bleeding and treat problems of the 
  gastro-intestinal tract, especially diarrhoea, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. 
  The flowers are also used in the treatment of an enlarged prostate gland.