Barbary Fig

(Opuntia ficus-indica)

Barbary Fig (Opuntia ficus-indica)

Matthew Fainman

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Matthew Fainman

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly known as Barbary Fig or Indian-Fig, is a perennial shrub and the most commercially important cactus, native to arid and semiarid regions of Mexico. It has been widely cultivated in other arid and semiarid parts of the world, including the Mediterranean basin. This species is particularly well-suited to hot, dry climates and is often found in open, sunny environments. O. ficus-indica can grow up to 5 meters in height and features thick, succulent, oblong to spatulate stems called cladodes, which are adapted to store water. These stems have a water-repellent and sun-reflecting waxy epidermis, which helps the plant conserve moisture. Cladodes that are 1–2 years old produce showy flowers in white, yellow, and red, blooming from early May through early summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The fruit, which ripens from August through October, ranges in color from pale green to deep red and is known for its sweet, watermelon-like taste.

Barbary Fig is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to produce fruit and vegetable nopales under arid conditions, making it a significant crop in dry areas. The fruits are edible after chilling and peeling, and the plant is also used for erosion control due to its root system that stabilizes the soil. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun with low to very low water requirements and prefers soils with fast drainage. However, it can be invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting it in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Succulent
Height: 12-15 feet
Width: 6-9 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low, Very Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to arid and semiarid regions of Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Indian Fig, Cactus Pear, Prickly Pear, Spineless Cactus, Nopal De Castilla, 食用仙人掌, Tuna Cactus

Scientific Names: , Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia vulgaris, Opuntia paraguayensis, Opuntia maxima, Opuntia apurimacensis, Opuntia ficus-barbarica, Opuntia joconostle, Opuntia undulata, Opuntia incarnadilla

GBIF Accepted Name: Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.