Prickly Pear

Prickly Pear

Opuntia ficus indica Burbank Spineless

The Prickly Pear Cactus is an upright cactus with smooth, spineless paddle-shaped green segments. Summer flowers are followed by edible fruits commonly known as prickly pears. Grows to approx. 3m

Opuntia ficus-indica ‘Burbank Spineless’, commonly known as the Burbank Spineless Prickly Pear, is a cultivar of the Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica). It is valued for its lack of spines, making it easier to handle, and its edible pads and fruits. Here’s a complete guide:

Description

  • Foliage:
    • Flattened, oval-shaped pads (cladodes) with a smooth, spineless surface, though tiny glochids (hair-like spines) may still be present and require care.
    • The pads are green and store water, making the plant highly drought-tolerant.
  • Flowers: Produces large, showy, yellow or orange flowers in late spring to early summer.
  • Fruits:
    • The plant bears edible fruits, commonly known as tunas, which are sweet and juicy with a reddish or orange skin.
    • The fruit is typically harvested in late summer or early Autumn.
  • Growth Habit: A perennial, clump-forming cactus that can grow up to 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) tall and wide under ideal conditions.

Habitat and Growth

  • Native Range: Native to Mexico and widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide.
  • Light: Thrives in full sun and requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils. It tolerates poor, nutrient-deficient soils but does not thrive in waterlogged conditions.
  • Hardiness: It can withstand light frost but requires protection in prolonged freezing conditions.

Uses

  1. Edible Crop:
    • Pads (Nopales): The tender young pads are edible and commonly used in Mexican cuisine, either grilled, sautéed, or added to salads.
    • Fruits (Tunas): The fruits are eaten fresh, juiced, or used in jams, desserts, and beverages.
  2. Ornamental: Adds a dramatic and architectural look to xeriscapes, desert gardens, or Mediterranean-style landscapes.
  3. Forage: Used as animal fodder in arid regions due to its high water content and nutritional value.
  4. Erosion Control: Its roots help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion in arid landscapes.

Care Tips

  1. Watering:
    • Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
    • Once established, it is extremely drought-tolerant and requires little to no supplemental irrigation.
  2. Fertilizing:
    • Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring if growth is slow or the plant is being cultivated for fruit production.
  3. Pruning:
    • Remove dead or damaged pads to maintain shape and health.
    • Use gloves when handling to avoid irritation from tiny glochids.
  4. Pests/Diseases:
    • Susceptible to cochineal scale insects, which appear as white, cottony masses on the pads. Control by spraying with water or insecticidal soap.
    • Root rot may occur if planted in poorly drained soil.

Advantages of ‘Burbank Spineless’

  • Ease of Handling: The lack of large spines makes it safer and easier to work with compared to traditional prickly pears.
  • Multi-Purpose Plant: Offers ornamental beauty, edible pads and fruits, and ecological benefits like erosion control.
  • Hardiness: Thrives in harsh conditions, including heat, drought, and poor soils.

Fun Facts

  • Developed by Luther Burbank: The cultivar was bred by the famous horticulturist Luther Burbank in the early 20th century to be more user-friendly.
  • Nutritional Value: Both the pads and fruits are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
  • Cultural Significance: Opuntia ficus-indica is a staple in Mexican cuisine and an important cultural symbol in Mexico, where it appears on the national coat of arms.

$38.95 – $192.25 inc. GST

In stock

SKU: Echgla-1-1-2-2 Categories: , , , ,

Melbourne Metro deliveries cost $44.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

The Mornington Peninsula ** Mt Eliza to Portsea ** and Geelong deliveries cost $66.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

Outer Melbourne deliveries cost $132.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 7 business days.

Regional Victoria deliveries cost between $143.00 – $264.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 7 business days.

Call David Direct on 0427 047 857 to

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