OPUNTIA VULGARIS. 



PRICKLY PEAR. INDIAN FIG. 



NATURAL ORDER, CACTACE.E. 



FIND that this, like most of the Cactacese, is a native of South 

 America, and that Dr. Voigt states it had been introduced into 

 Lower Bengal, but had never flowered. Possibly the climate 

 there is too damp, for further north and in Chota Nagpore it blossoms 

 most profusel}'. 



It is a large, spreading, ramous bush, with thick, succulent, oval 

 leaves, covered with numerous needle-like spines which spring from 

 bunches of fine, penetrating hairs. 



The thorns or spines are very sharp, about an inch or more in length, 

 of a whitish colour except the tip ; the small bristles or fine hairs are 

 detached with the slightest touch, and being so fine are almost impercep- 

 tible, but give great pain and inconvenience if once they have penetrated 

 the skin. 



The flowers are of a beautiful bright yellow colour, proceeding from 

 the edges of the thick succulent leaves. The outer petals are tipped with 

 carmine. 



I find the following interesting note concerning this flower in Fermin- 

 ger: "A description of Cactus, which bears a large, pear-like fruit covered 

 with sharp needle-like spines. On cutting open the thick, succulent rind 

 of the fruit, a jelly-like pulp is found, which, though of little flavour, is cool 

 and refreshing. It is sold in immense quantities in Egypt, where the poor 

 almost live upon it." 



Roxburgh, too, has given a very minute account of this plant under 

 the name of " Cactus Indicus" ; he mentions that the " Cochineal insects 

 lately brought from America thrive and multiply upon this plant." 



The natives often make use of this prickly bush as a garden fence, 

 and a very impregnable one it is, as can well be imagined. 



One leaf placed in loose mould or silver sand will soon grow and 

 send out shoots. 



The Caclaceas are generally considered to belong almost exclusively 

 to America, but as many varieties grow wild in the jungles in tliis country 

 they must have been naturalised at a very early period. 



