Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller; O.megacantha 
Salm-Dyck; O. streptacantha Lemaire; O. amyclaea 
Tenore: Nochth, nopalli, tuna (fruit), nopal (plant), 
prickly pear. 
Opuntia, which figures in the ancient Mexican symbol 
of the eagle and the nopai, is and has long been of great 
economic importance in parts of Mexico. The early 
writers were impressed by the great variety of tunas or 
nochtli in the Mexican gardens and markets (98, 158, 
174). Several species are extensively grown for their 
edible fruits, which are variously prepared, and the young 
stems, or ‘‘joints,’’ are used as a vegetable. The plants 
are easily multiplied by cuttings, so that fine hybrids and 
varieties can be selected and propagated true to type. 
Most of the cultivated Opuntias are doubtless native to 
central Mexico. (17, 24, 26*, 28, 49, 68, 98, 158, 164, 
174, 191*) 
Pachycereus emarginatus (DC.) Brit. & Rose: 
Organo, pitayo. 
This cactus is used for picturesque living fences in 
many parts of Mexico. Other columnar types, such as 
species of Lemaireocereus, were probably also cultivated 
for fruit, protection and ornament. (24, 26*, 28, 68, 191) 
Pachyrrhizus erosus (L.) Urban: Xicama, jicama, 
yam bean. 
The yam bean is extensively cultivated in Mexico for 
its turnip-like roots, which are usually eaten raw and are 
said to be very palatable. It appears to be native to lower 
elevations in central and southern Mexico and northern 
Central America, and is now widely cultivated and nat- 
uralized in many parts of the world. Other species were 
cultivated in South America. (17, 48*, 118, 138, 192, 
202) 
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