Opuntia lasiacantha aka Red Prickly Pear

Opuntia lasiacantha is a spiny cactus from central Mexico. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. One local name is Nopal de Cerro. It grows in forests and dry scrub with drought-adapted plants. Recorded sites lie at elevations of 4,593–8,530 feet [1,400–2,600 metres]. Kew places it in a tropical climate with seasonal drought. These records describe its wild setting, rather than tested garden conditions.

This evergreen succulent forms a shrub or small tree. Its upright branches tend to start near the base. The Useful Tropical Plants profile lists a height of 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. Its fuller account gives a broader range of 1.6–13.1 feet [0.5–4 metres]. The source does not separate garden heights from wild heights. The plant has stem segments called cladodes, which carry the fruit. Its woody, branched form gives it a lasting place in ornamental plantings.

Bees and other insects pollinate the plant. The supplied account gives no flower colour or bloom season. Its edible fruit is known as xocotuna. People gather it from wild plants and sell it locally. The flesh ranges from tart to slightly sweet. Each spiny fruit narrows toward its base. Its skin is greenish yellow with a red tinge. Fruits measure about 1.4–1.8 inches [3.5–4.5 centimetres] long. Their width is about 0.8–1.2 inches [2–3 centimetres]. Ripe fruit can stay edible on the cladodes for a year or longer.

People also grow this species for ornament and use it as fuel. Its fruit gives it a food use beyond its garden role. The evidence does not set out watering, soil, or light needs. Nor does it give frost limits or name pests and diseases. Its dry native climate alone does not establish those care needs. The medicinal notes concern other cacti rather than proven uses for this species.

Handling poses a clear risk from tiny barbed spines called glochids. These brittle spines come loose when touched and lodge in skin. Their small size makes them hard to find and remove. They can cause marked pain and skin irritation. This physical hazard remains relevant despite the fruit's food use. The species is widespread and occurs in several protected areas. The cited 2017 IUCN assessment lists it as Least Concern. That account reports no major threats.