Monday, June 10, 2024

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.

 

Family: Cactaceae

Synonym: Cactus ficus-indica L.

Vernacular name: Chappathikkalli

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Cultivated, orchards, open areas

Distribution: India, America

Flowering and Fruiting: May-June

Key identification features: A perennial shrub with thick, succulent, and oblong to spatulate stems called cladodes. It has a water-repellent and sun-reflecting waxy epidermis. Cladodes 1–2 years old produce flowers, with the fruit's colours ranging from pale green to deep red.The plants flower in three distinct colours: white, yellow, and red.

Uses: Widely used as food, The fruits or leaves can be boiled, used raw, or blended with fruit juice, cooked on a frying pan, used as a side dish with chicken, or added to tacos. Jams and jellies are produced from the fruit.



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