Quick facts
| Arabic name | التين الشوكي (البرشومي) |
|---|---|
| English name | Prickly Pear (Barshoomi) |
| Scientific name | Opuntia ficus-indica |
| Family | Cactus family (Cactaceae) |
| Plant type | Shrubby cactus |
| Height | Usually 2 to 4 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
March to May
From pads in spring Harvest time
July to September
Barshoomi season in Taif and the south is in summerJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Flat pad-like stems with spines and tiny prickly hairs, big yellow flowers, and oval yellow or red fruits covered with fine prickles.
Where it grows
Grown and common in the highlands of Taif, Al-Baha and Asir.
Soil
Handles poor and rocky soil but needs good drainage.
Water and irrigation
Needs little water and handles drought.
Climate and light
Likes sun and heat, and handles some cold.
Propagation
Easily by planting a pad.
Benefits and uses
- Sweet summer fruit
- A natural fence around farms
- Seasonal income for farmers
Drawbacks
- Spines and tiny hairs hurt and stick in skin
- Spreads easily and can invade nearby land
- Peeling the fruit needs care
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Opuntia ficus-indica
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Opuntia ficus-indica
- Wikipedia: Opuntia ficus-indica
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)