The economic utilization of the Cactus ‘Opuntia ficus-indica’

Abstract

Cactaceae are a type of plants globally abundant, the cactus Opuntia ficus-indica belonging to this family, is one of the most distributed and naturalized around the world. On the other hand, given the seasonal changes that global warming is causing, the adaptation and productivity of many other plants and cacti have been affected and decreased enormously; which should broaden vision about our environment, to determine the plants that will be viable for a better future of the Earth. The purpose of this study is to introduce the properties, qualities, uses and applications that the prickly pear has from ancient times till today, in daily life and in different industries. Since it is a naturalized plant around almost the entire planet, all its benefits must be known to give them the proper use. This plant can actually become invasive if it is not kept under control, for this reason, its easy growth and utilization must be used; to contribute to the development of technologies that respect the environment. This research work consists of a brief explanation of the botanical and ethnobotanical details of the Opuntia cactus, where its taxonomy is presented, including its nomenclature, and etymology presented in English as well as in the Spanish language, its origin, and distribution. Emphasizing its uses as food, medicine, and other uses of economic strategy. The framework for conducting research on the uses and applications of Cactus Opuntia ficusindica, are mostly from its origin country and some other countries, based on different documents, articles, compendiums, encyclopedias and agricultural books, made by previous researches by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the same governments of prickly pear producing countries and other botanical authors. This was a difficult investigation since the many media where its information is provided, realiable sources are not easily found. But with the dedication and compilation of information, it was proven that the O. ficus-indica is among the species that could help improve human-made damage. And that today there are already many governments, societies and populations raising awareness and taking care of this noble resource, obtaining byproducts not only viable for rural communities, but also for the replacement of fuels and materials harmful to the environment, consequently helping our planet and its species.