Cactus ficus-indica L.
Scientific Name: Cactus ficus-indica L.
Synonyms: Cactus ficus-indica L., Opuntia compressa J.F. Macbr., Opuntia opuntia (L.) Karst., nom. inval., Opuntia vulgaris Mill.
Classification: Plantae/ Tracheobionta / Spermatophyta / Magnoliophyta / Magnoliopsida / Caryophyllidae / Caryophyllales / Cactaceae / Opuntia Mill./ Cactus ficus-indica L.
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Usda Symbol | CAFI8 |
| Group | Dicot |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth Habits | ShrubTree, |
| Native Locations | CAFI8 |
Plant Guide
Use a soil moisture meter to monitor the soil moisture where Cactus ficus-indica L. is planted.
Plant Traits
Growth Requirements
| Temperature, Minimum (°F) | -3 |
|---|---|
| Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Fine Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Medium Textured Soils | Yes |
| Anaerobic Tolerance | None |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | High |
| Cold Stratification Required | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Fertility Requirement | Low |
| Fire Tolerance | None |
| Frost Free Days, Minimum | 200 |
| Hedge Tolerance | High |
| Moisture Use | Low |
| pH, Maximum | 8.5 |
| pH, Minimum | 7.0 |
| Planting Density per Acre, Maxim | 700 |
| Planting Density per Acre, Minim | 20 |
| Precipitation, Maximum | 15 |
| Precipitation, Minimum | 8 |
| Root Depth, Minimum (inches) | 6 |
| Salinity Tolerance | Low |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
Morphology/Physiology
| Bloat | None |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | None |
| Resprout Ability | No |
| Shape and Orientation | Irregular |
| Active Growth Period | Summer |
| C:N Ratio | Low |
| Coppice Potential | No |
| Fall Conspicuous | No |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Flower Conspicuous | Yes |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Porosity Summer | Porous |
| Foliage Porosity Winter | Porous |
| Fruit/Seed Conspicuous | Yes |
| Nitrogen Fixation | None |
| Low Growing Grass | No |
| Lifespan | Moderate |
| Leaf Retention | Yes |
| Known Allelopath | No |
| Height, Mature (feet) | 10.0 |
| Height at 20 Years, Maximum (fee | 10 |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Growth Form | Multiple Stem |
| Foliage Texture | Coarse |
Reproduction
| Vegetative Spread Rate | None |
|---|---|
| Small Grain | No |
| Seedling Vigor | Medium |
| Seed Spread Rate | Rapid |
| Seed per Pound | 200000 |
| Fruit/Seed Persistence | Yes |
| Propagated by Tubers | No |
| Propagated by Sprigs | No |
| Propagated by Sod | No |
| Propagated by Seed | Yes |
| Propagated by Corm | No |
| Propagated by Container | Yes |
| Propagated by Bulb | No |
| Propagated by Bare Root | Yes |
| Fruit/Seed Period End | Fall |
| Fruit/Seed Period Begin | Summer |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Bloom Period | Mid Summer |
| Propagated by Cuttings | Yes |
Suitability/Use
| Veneer Product | No |
|---|---|
| Pulpwood Product | No |
| Protein Potential | Low |
| Post Product | No |
| Palatable Human | Yes |
| Palatable Graze Animal | Low |
| Palatable Browse Animal | Low |
| Nursery Stock Product | Yes |
| Naval Store Product | No |
| Lumber Product | No |
| Fodder Product | Yes |
| Christmas Tree Product | No |
| Berry/Nut/Seed Product | Yes |
