Large Pads, used in Mexico as "nopales" or "nopalitos tiernos" for the young pads, "tunas" for the large red fruits. Common cactus in southern California, Central, Northern and Western Mexico including Baja California . Hardy in Zones 8 to 10 but can be container grown for many years and brought indoors for the winter farther north.

The specimens shown here were photographed in June of 1998 at the Botanical Gardens at San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico.

Nopales make a very good salad. Cut the young tender pads "nopalitos tiernos" into strips (of course you will need to cut away the spines). Mix with chopped onions, chopped chives or green onions, chopped chilés such as jalapeños or serranos, chopped garlic, oregano, and a little salt. Toss with a couple dashes of lime juice, a little olive oil and red wine vinegar and chill before serving.

Grow in well drained rocky/sandy soil. Water thoroughly then let dry out for several weeks (outside in the ground or in large containers) before watering again. Small containers of young seedlings need to be watered as frequently as any other plant and should not be allowed to get too dry. Propagate by seed or by removing pads ad planting into soil. Handle with care, as is the case with most cacti, the spines can be brutal.

© 1998 Michael King