Opuntia matudae | |
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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]