Origin
Opuntias can be found across the American continent in almost all climates, its young stems are used in Mexican cooking. In Europe, Opuntia can be found in the Mediterranean region.
Description
Sometimes known as prickly pear cactus due to the shape of its cladodes, Opuntia has large strong spines which play a defensive role as well as fine barbed spines covering the fruits. These irritate the skin and can be easily detached
All of the parts of the plant, the flowers and the fruit, are used in phytotherapy. It naturally contains fibre. It is also known under its common name Nopal.