|
Image of the lovely Optunia frigilis cactus plant coming soon... |
|
Optunia frigilis
(Fragile Prickly Pear, Brittle Prickly Pear, Little Prickly
Pear, Pgymy-tuna, Pgymy Prickly Pear) |
Family: Cactaceae
Light: Full sun
Height: 1-3"
Blooms: Bright yellow flowers, mid-Summer
Foliage: Bluish-green, spiney pads
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, loamy
Water:
Drought tolerant
Propagation: Seeds (sow when warm), leaf pad cutting (allow to callous before
planting)
Uses: Container, xeriscaping, dry garden
Caution: Plant has thorns and minute irritant hair, wear gloves
Comments: Optunia frigilis or Fragile Prickly Pear or Brittle Prickly Pear
or Little Prickly Pear or Pgymy-tuna or Pgymy Prickly Pear is an attractive
low, mat-forming evergreen perennial plant.
Fragile Prickly Pear is a valuable plant to have in the garden. The leaf pads and fruit are
edible and the seeds are roasted, ground and used as a thickener. The leaf pads
of the Brittle Prickly Pear also have medicinal value and have been used to
treat skin sores and infections and as a diuretic. Grown in a conducive
environment, Optunia frigilis will bloom for you. It is hardy, maintenance
free and very easy to grow. It favors a
temperature of above 20 degrees with plenty of light. Pgymy Prickly Pear
makes an excellent xeriscaping plant and looks lovely as a container plant.
USDA Hardiness Zones :4-11 |
