Opuntia

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Opuntia

Opuntia (pronounced /oʊˈpʌnʃiə/), also known as the prickly pear or nopal, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family, Cactaceae.

Etymology

The name "Opuntia" originates from the Ancient Greek city of Opus, where, according to Theophrastus, an edible plant grew and could be propagated by rooting its leaves.

Description

Opuntia are characterized by their flat, paddle-shaped stems, known as cladodes, which are modified branches that serve the dual purpose of photosynthesis and water storage. The plants are covered in clusters of fine, tiny barbed spines called glochids that can easily penetrate skin and detach from the plant. Many types of Opuntia are known to bear edible fruits, commonly referred to as prickly pears.

Medical Uses

Opuntia has been used in traditional medicine for treating a range of health conditions. The plant's high fiber and pectin content have been found beneficial in treating diabetes by decreasing the absorption of sugar in the stomach and intestine. The extract of Opuntia has also been used in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, alcohol hangover, and viral infections.

Related Terms

  • Cactaceae: The botanical family to which Opuntia belongs.
  • Cladode: A type of plant stem that performs photosynthesis.
  • Glochid: Tiny barbed spines found on Opuntia and other cacti.
  • Prickly pear: The common name for the fruit of the Opuntia.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski