What is a Potato Cactus?

Appearance

• Growing in 2- to 5-foot-diameter clusters, the potato-shaped and -sized cacti have spines extremely long in relation to their overall size. The main stems, which branch out from somewhat swollen joints, are easily detached and rooted to make new plants. The yellow or greenish flowers are about 2 inches wide with seven or more petals. It blooms from May through July.

Native Habitat

• The potato cactus is native to the prairies, foothills, semi-deserts and sandy, rocky terrain in the western part of the United States. It is winter-hardy, growing as far north as U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 4, with minimum winter temperatures of minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Care and Culture

• Grow prickly pear cacti in sandy, well-drained soil in full sun. They tolerate rocky outcrops and do well in rock gardens. Keep them dry in winter; cacti are more likely to survive subzero temperatures when they are grown on the dry side. Propagate by separating at the joints. Allow the cut edge to dry out for a day or two before pushing it into the soil. Roots will form in 6 to 12 weeks.

Culinary and Medicinal uses

• Called "nopal" by the Aztecs, some prickly pear cactus varieties were eaten like a vegetable by native American cultures. The paddles are cut into strips and cooked like green beans, transformed into a dish called "nopalitos."

  The joints are put into a flame, opened and used as a healing compress for asthma symptoms, earaches, skin abrasions and tumors. Opuntia is also used externally to treat skin conditions such as sunburn, rashes, hemorrhoids or insect bits.

  An infusion is sweetened and taken orally to treat fever and relieve chest pains.