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Human and Animal Uses for Cacti
A Work in Progress
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| Carnegiea gigantea - (Saguaro) Fruit pulp - which is processed into jelly and wine - is part of Tohono O'odham (Papago) Indians diet. Seeds are also ground and eaten. Birds, including Gila woodpeckers and elf owls, hollow out nests inside the plant. |
| Echinocactus sp. - (Barrel Cacti) The spines of this genus were fashioned into phonograph needles and fishhooks. |
| Echinocereus enneacanthus - (Strawberry Hedgehog) Edible fruit tastes similar to strawberries. |
| Echinocereus stramineus - (Straw-colored Hedgehog) Edible fruit tastes similar to strawberries. |
| Echinopsis chiloensis - (Quiska) Chilean cactus used in the manufacture of rainsticks. |
| Epithelantha bokei - (Button Cactus) Edible fruit enjoyed by birds. |
| Epithelantha micromeris - (Button Cactus) Edible fruit enjoyed by birds. |
| Escontria chiotilla - (Jiotilla) This Mexican native produces edible fruits known as jiotilla. |
| Eulychina acidia - (Copado) Chilean cactus used in the manufacture of rainsticks. |
| Ferocactus hamatacanthus - (Texas Barrel Cactus) Juicy, brown fruit is used as lemons and limes. |
| Ferocactus wislizenii - (Candy Barrel) Animals eat the fruit. Inside of stems and fruits used to make cactus candy. |
| Hylocereus undatus - (Pitaya, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear) Bright red or pink fruit with green scales is both attractive and edible. It is eaten raw or made into wine and other drinks. |
| Lophocereus schottii - (Senita) Stem processed into drugs to fight cancer and diabetes. |
| Lophophora williamsii - (Peyote, Mescal Buttons) Plant contains mescaline, a hallucinogenic drug capable of inducing visions. |
| Myrtillocactus geometrizans - (Blue Myrtle, Whortleberry Cactus) Blue fruit resembling a blueberry - Garambullo - is edible. |
| Nopalea cochenillifera - (Nopal Cactus) Plant used as a host for the female cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus). Cochineal, a crimson dye, is processed from the body of this insect. |
| Opuntia acanthocarpa - (Buckhorn Cholla) Pima Indians steamed and ate flower buds. Pack rats use fallen joints for protecting nests and for camouflage. |
| Opuntia bigelovii - (Teddy Bear Cholla) Pack rats use fallen joints for protecting nests and for camouflage. |
| Opuntia ficus-indica - (Indian Fig) The edible fruit of this cactus, commonly known as a tuna has a sweet taste similar to watermelon. Fruits also are processed into jams and jellies. |
| Opuntia leptocaulis - (Desert Christmas Cactus) Fruit is a favorite food of birds. |
| Opuntia spinosior - (Cane Cholla) Skeleton of dead plants used for making furniture. |
| Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum - (Hairbrush Cactus) Indians used the bur-like fruit of this cactus as a hairbrush. |
| Peniocereus greggii - (Queen of the Night) Edible root and fruit eaten by Indians. Poultice reportedly used for respiratory ills. |
| Pereskia aculeata - (Barbados Gooseberry) The small, yellow fruit used in jellys and preserves. Fruit is juicy and slightly acidic. |
| Schlumbergera truncatus - (Christmas Cactus) Perhaps the most commercially grown cactus. Its colorful blooms open from Thanksgiving and through the Christmas season. |
| Selenicereus grandiflorus - (Night-Blooming Cereus) Stems and flowers processed into homeopathic medicine for urinary tract infections and angina. Reported to have a digitalis-like effect on the heart |
| Stenocereus gummosus - (Pitahaya agria) Stems of this cactus were crushed and thrown into water by natives. Substances in the cactus act as a fish poison and stun fish. Natives using this method of fishing were all to happy to gather the abundant harvest. |
| Stenocereus thurberi - (Organ Pipe Cactus) Fruit eaten by local Indians. |
| Trichocereus pachanoi - (San Pedro Cactus) Plant contains mescaline, a hallucinogenic drug capable of inducing visions. |
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