uses for cacti

[Guest]

Very interesting subject indeed. I've just discovered an article about uses for cacti (especially Opuntias)and it's simply amazing. Just a brief list:

- living fences
- cacti sap used to soothe wounds (similar to Aloe vera
- mosquito repellent (in Africa)
- sap extracts used for chewing gum and candles
- stiffening agent for cloth
- mortar (Mexico)
- fresh pads used as food for livestock and poultry
- used for flavouring dairy products (Mexico)
- and course culinary uses...
- and a lot more...

Check this link to find out more:


http://www.sfc.ucdavis.edu/pubs/brochur ... ypear.html

[daiv]

That's a good link, thanks for sharing.

[kari]

I didn't read the whole UC article, but one thing I know the ranchers in South Texas do is use a flamethrower on the dense stands of O. lindheimeri during times of drought so the cattle can eat the pads without injury.

kari