Opuntia humifusa
Opuntiia humifusa, commonly known as prickly pear cactus, is a resilient succulent valued for its diverse medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it is traditionally used to support digestive health, manage blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation. This versatile plant offers significant therapeutic potential in holistic wellness practices.
- Scientific name: Opuntia humifusa
- Family: Cactaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales, it falls under the family Cactaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Opuntia, specifically as the species Opuntia humifusa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Cactaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Opuntia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known by various regional names depending on the language, is recognized as 자단선선인장 in Korean and as Opuncija polegnuta in Croatian. In Lithuania, it is referred to as Šliaužiančioji opuncija, while in Hungary, it carries the name ördögnyelv-fügekaktusz. Additionally, it is known as Krypopuntia in Swedish.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ko | 자단선선인장 | Wikidata |
| hr | Opuncija polegnuta | Wikidata |
| lt | Šliaužiančioji opuncija | Wikidata |
| hu | ördögnyelv-fügekaktusz | Wikidata |
| sv | Krypopuntia | Wikidata |
| ru | Опунция стелющаяся | Wikidata |
| ar | صبير كمثري شرقي | Wikidata |
| zh | 匍地仙人掌 | Wikidata |
| arz | صبير كمثرى شرقى | Wikidata |
| cs | opuncie poléhavá | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented in Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is found within the borders of Austria. The species also extends its range to include Germany and the Netherlands. Finally, its distribution continues through the mountainous landscapes of Switzerland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
Chemicals
Opuntia humifusa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechol.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catechol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Opuntia humifusa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |