View photos of the edible and medicinal cacti, Opuntia vaseyi (California prickly pear), profiled in Wild Edible Plants of California: Vol 1.
A passage from Wild Edible plants of California (Vol 1):
Like Aloe vera, the inner pad as a poultice is soothing to burns, scrapes, and stings. Internally all parts will slightly lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
View photos of the edible and medicinal plant Opuntia basilaris (Beavertail pricklypear), profiled in the Wild Edible Series: California and Nevada (as Opuntia spp.).
A passage from Wild Edible Plants of California:
The young pads can also be eaten raw in limited quantities; if cooked, then in larger amounts. They have the taste of a slimy bell pepper.
View photos of the cactus, Opuntia polyacantha var. nicholii (Canyonlands prickly pear).
