Opuntia engelmannii Belen - Prickly Pear

The Opuntia engelmannii or robusta 'Belen' is a giant form of prickly pear, an imposing XXL-sized prickly pear cactus that is appreciated for its cold resistance as well as its enormous edible fruits, whose taste quality is comparable to that of the classic Barbary Fig. This almost arborescent variety develops immense heavily spined paddles, large and beautiful yellow flowers fading into a pretty orange-pink hue, and very large fleshy 'Barbary figs', which turn pink when ripe. They can be consumed after taking care to remove their almost invisible and formidable spines. Resistant to cold, heat, and severe drought, exotic and delicious, it is an excellent plant for rocky or sandy soils, but it should be kept away from high traffic areas and young children.

The Opuntia robusta, a close relative of the Barbary Fig (Opuntia ficus indica), is a succulent plant devoid of true leaves from the cactus family. This botanical species is native to arid regions of Mexico. The 'Belen' variety is mainly distinguished by its very large size. An adult specimen can reach over 4 m (13ft) in height, but will spread laterally for at least 2.50 m. Its growth is fast, with the plant producing 1 or 2 new paddles per year from spring to autumn. The lush vegetation is composed of its paddles or cladodes, which are stacked on top of each other. They are flattened, fleshy, thick, often circular, sometimes wider than tall. Each one can measure up to 35-40 cm (14-16in) wide and weigh quite heavily. The base of the plant lignifies with age, forming a small trunk. The surface of the young cladodes or paddles, which are greenish-gray-blue in color, sometimes tinged with violet, is initially covered with small acute leaves, reddish in color, measuring up to 4 mm (1in) long, which fall off quickly. The cladodes then gradually become covered with strong ivory prickles, 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) long, darker at the base, as well as tiny almost transparent prickles called glochids, gathered in small round and brown clusters, which are very dangerous when handling. Flowering occurs in May-June in abundance. Several flowers appear on the edges of the paddles, mainly towards their tips. Their color is a fairly light yellow, very bright, and then they fade into a salmon-orange color. The rounded cup-shaped flowers, 5 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter, are composed of petals with a fine and slightly translucent texture. They give way to globose fruits, heavily covered with glochids, which turn pink to deep red when ripe, measuring 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) long. They are edible, juicy, sweet, and slightly sugary, almost as tasty as those of the usual Barbary Fig.

Cultivable in almost all our regions, this astonishing cactus is hardy down to -20°C without protection, but in perfectly well-drained, rocky, stony, or sandy soil. It naturally structures exotic or contemporary landscapes, in a large rock garden, on a dry slope, or at the boundaries of a dry garden. It can also be used to double a defensive hedge, which will become extremely deterrent. It will find its place among hardy agaves, Nolinas, and arborescent Euphorbias. Pair it with hardy columnar cacti: Cleistocactus strausii or Cylindropuntia imbricata. It should be kept away from high traffic areas and children, due to its formidable spines.

To safely enjoy the fruits: burn them like poultry to remove the glochids. Then cut them in half and scoop out the pulp with a small spoon and enjoy!