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Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw.
| Family Name: | Cactaceae |
| Synonyms: | Opuntia melanosperma, Opuntia stricta var. dillenii |
| Common Name: | Erect Pricklypear |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
| Maximum Height | 1 m to 1.8 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Caribbean |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Cactus with a shrub growth form growing up to 1-1.8 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The spines are modified leaves. The spines are arranged in clusters known as areoles, and there are about 35 areoles per stem section (known as an internode). |
| Stems | The stem is divided into pad-like sections known as internodes. The pads are oval-shaped and about 15 cm long. |
| Flowers | Bright yellow flowers are cup-shaped. |
| Fruit | Berry-like, pear-shaped fruits are purple-red (6.1 cm long, 3.1 cm wide). The sticky, viscous flesh contains about 125 flat to curved seeds per fruit (4-5 mm wide). |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Fruit & Vegetable): The fruits can be used to prepare an alcoholic drink. They are sometimes eaten when other food sources are scarce. Medicinal: This species contains polysaccharides that help to decrease glucose levels in diabetic mice (Zhao et al 2011). These polysaccharides have potential as a treatment for diabetes. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Stems |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliar Modification | Reduced / Needle-like |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Numerous (>20) |
References
| References | Zhao LY, Lan QJ, Huang ZC, Ouyang LJ, Zeng FH. 2011. Antidiabetic effect of a newly identified component of Opuntia dillenii polysaccharides . Phytomedicine. 18. 8-9. 661-668 |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 988 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2282 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
