Barbary Fig
Opuntia ficus-indica
Also known as: Opuntia cordobensis
Tomás Castelazo
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cactaceae
- Genus:
- Opuntia
- Species:
- Opuntia ficus-indica
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 12-20 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- orange, red, yellow
- Food Forest:
- Plant contains edible parts
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum), North American cactus moth (Melitara dentata)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in arid and semi-arid regions.