| Opuntia matudae | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Species: | O. matudae |
| Binomial name | |
| Opuntia matudae | |
Opuntia matudae, or xoconostle, is a cactus native to Mexico. It is sometimes treated as a synonym of Opuntia hyptiacantha . [1] In 2019, a genetic study supported keeping the taxa distinct. [2]
Opuntia matudae is the most commercially important species of cactus referred to as 'xoconostle'. [3] Opuntia joconostle is also referred to as 'xoconostle'. [4]
The cactus fruit is consumed as a traditional medicine and food in Mexico. [4]