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Opuntia cochenillifera (Nopal de la Cochinilla)
The name of this plant comes from the Aztec-word „nohpalli“ for the pads of the plant. The leaves are common in the traditional Mexican cuisine.
- • Common names: Nopal chamacuero, Tuna de Cochinilla, Alquitira, Lengua de vaca, Nopal costeño, Nopal de San Gabriel
• Botanical family: Cactaceae
• Geographic origin: Mexico
• Current geographic distribution: Tropical & subtropical regions
• Pollination: Insects
• Uses: Ornamental, nutritional (fruits and leaves) & medicinal plant (traditional use of raw leaves for cancer treatment)
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