Opuntia ficus-indica translates to the English "Indian fig" prickly pear. This is the cactus on the Mexican flag. It is also the host plant for Dactylopius coccus (cochineal) the source of natural carmine dye. The image is a infrared study
Opuntia ficus-indica. "Tuna", I am told, is the Carib word for these cactus. Most people reserve the term for the tasty fruit. The pads, "nopales", are also nutritious.
Opuntia ficus-indica translates to the English "Indian fig" prickly pear. This is the cactus on the Mexican flag. It is also the host plant for Dactylopius coccus (cochineal) the source of natural carmine dye.