Coastal Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia littoralis)
A Common Southern California Coastal Cactus with Many Uses
Oct 26, 2008
Sometimes called western prickly pear, coast prickly pear, coastal pricklypear, or simply prickly pear, this member of the cactus family (Family Cactaceae) grows on coastal slopes. Growing two or more feet tall and spreading out several feet in width, the coastal prickly pear cactus (Opuntia littoralis) is easy to identify by way of its flat, rounded stems (sometimes called leaves or pads) and beautiful yellow, waxy flowers and red fruits (in the early spring).
The coastal prickly pear ranges from Southern California south into Mexico.
Easy to Observe While Hiking
Around Laguna Beach, prickly pear cacti most commonly grow in dense thickets throughout the chaparral in rocky and sandy soils. This plant can be easily observed along many of the trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park such as those trails accessed from the Laguna Bowl Road Trail.
Two Kinds of Spines
The cactus’ platyclades are photosynthetic and are covered with two types of spines. The most obvious spines are the large fixed spines, but there are also small detachable, hair-like spines called glochids. If they come in contact with the skin, the glochids are painful and difficult to remove.
Cactus Figs
The edible fruits of prickly pear cacti are frequently called cactus figs, but the spines must be removed before being consumed. Traditionally, the glochids were removed from the fruit by rolling the fruit in the sand, but today the fruit is generally peeled for consumption. Cactus figs can be used to make jellies and are also used in a drink. The fruit (ripe or unripe) is often added to soups (similar to adding okra). The platyclades are sometimes cooked or consumed raw, and the seeds can be used as a thickener.
Medicinal to Cosmetic Usages
In addition to consuming the fruit of prickly pear cacti, some people have advocated the plant’s use in a variety of functions ranging from medicinal to cosmetic. For example, some studies have suggested that prickly pear cacti can assist in the treatment of diabetes.
Traditionally, the pulp of the prickly pear has been used to treat everything from stomach aches and urinary tract infections to severe hangovers and simple lacerations. Several hair care products use “prickly pear sap” as a conditioning agent.
The prickly pear cactus (albeit a different species than the coastal prickly pear cactus) is featured in the Mexican coat of arms.
A Source of Red Dyes
Prickly pear cacti have been used as a source of various dyes including a red dye (betanin), which is extracted directly from the plant, and the cochineal dye (also red). The latter is collected from a commensal insect (Dactylopius coccus) that lives on prickly pear cacti and produces a natural acid that keeps other predatory insects away. When this acid is extracted from the insect, it makes a high quality dye that was much prized by both the Aztecs and Mayas. It is still commercially manufactured in Mexico and South America as a food coloring agent and for use in cosmetics.
Horticulture
The prickly pear cactus is a favorite garden cactus. Planted in sunny, south-facing locations with sandy to loamy and well-drained soil, the prickly pear cactus is easy to keep. It prefers to be kept dry, except during the natural rainy season when it will tolerate a reasonable amount of water. For a cactus, the prickly pear is remarkably cold tolerant. Plant new prickly pear cacti in late spring, and protect young plants from too much moisture. It is easy to take cuttings at any time. Allow the cutting to callous at the base before potting it in dry, sandy soil where it will get plenty of sun.
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