Home Page > Picture Archives > > Cactaceae > Opuntia ficus-indica
Cactus ficus-indica, Cactus opuntia, Opuntia arcei, Opuntia castillae, Opuntia chinensis, Opuntia cordobensis, Opuntia ficus-barbarica, Opuntia incarnadilla, Opuntia megacantha, Opuntia vulgaris, Platyopuntia vulgaris
Barbary fig, prickly pear, spineless cactus
Opuntia ficus-indica is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant important in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world. It is thought probably to have originated in Mexico. Some of the common English names for the plant and its fruit are Indian fig opuntia, Barbary fig, cactus pear, spineless cactus, and prickly pear, although this last name has also been applied to other less common Opuntia species. In Mexican Spanish, the plant is called nopal, while the fruit is called tuna, which are names also used in American English, especially as culinary terms.
Opuntia ficus-indica, also known as prickly pear cactus, is a succulent plant native to the Americas but widely naturalized in other parts of the world, including Qatar. In Qatar, it has been found to grow wild in various regions, particularly in arid and coastal areas. Studies have shown that O. ficus-indica has adapted well to Qatar's harsh desert climate, tolerating high temperatures, drought, and saline soils. Its presence in Qatar is often associated with disturbed or abandoned lands, where it can form dense stands and outcompete native vegetation. Locally, the plant is sometimes utilized for its edible pads (nopales) and fruits, which are rich in nutrients and have potential medicinal properties. Overall, O. ficus-indica is a resilient and invasive species in Qatar, with both ecological and economic implications.
Barbary fig cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) growing as crop in Rawdat Al Faras Research Station (RAFRS, or Qatar University Farm) near Al Zubara Road. Qatar, April 20, 2016
Unnamed Road, Al-Ghuwayriyah, Qatar
Cactus pads of Barbary fig (Opuntia ficus-indica) growing as crop in Rawdat Al Faras Research Station (RAFRS, or Qatar University Farm) near Al Zubara Road. Qatar, April 20, 2016Unnamed Road, Al-Ghuwayriyah, QatarObservations of Opuntia ficus-indica in Qatar reveal that the plant is being grown as a crop at the Rawdat Al Faras Research Station (RAFRS), also known as Qatar University Farm, located near Al Zubara Road. The Barbary fig cactus is thriving in this environment, with notable observations of its growth on April 20, 2016. The cactus pads of Opuntia ficus-indica are a key feature of the plant, and they appear to be growing well in the research station's conditions. The fact that it is being cultivated as a crop suggests that the plant has potential economic or agricultural value in Qatar. Overall, the observations highlight the adaptability and growth of Opuntia ficus-indica in Qatar's environment, specifically at the RAFRS research station. This indicates a promising prospect for further cultivation and study of the plant in the region.
www.theplantlist.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.