General Information
NamePlains prickly pear
Scientific NameOpuntia macrorhiza
DescriptionOpuntia macrorhiza Engelm. is a common and widespread species of cactus with the common names "Plains Prickly Pear" or "Twist-spine Prickly Pear." It is found throughout the Great Plains of the United States, from Texas to Minnesota, as well as in the desert and Rocky Mountain states from Arizona to Idaho, with sporadic populations in the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. It is also reported from northern Mexico, in the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, Coahuila, Nuevo León and San Luís Potosí. The species is cultivated as an ornamental in other locations. The species prefers dry, sandy or gravelly soils. It is one of the shorter species of the genus, rarely over 30 cm (1 foot) tall, spreading horizontally and forming large clumps. Flowers are showy and bright yellow. Fruits are red, juicy and edible.
Primary IDFOOD00435
Picture443
Classification
GroupFruits
Sub-GroupTropical fruits
Taxonomy
Lineage
ITIS ID19718
Wikipedia IDOpuntia_macrorhiza
Composition
Compounds
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Macronutrients
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References
Content Reference— U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2008. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 21. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page.