Nopalea
(from Nopal, the Mexican name for a Cactus). ORD. Cacteae. A small genus (three species) of fleshy, stove shrubs, inhabiting the West Indies, Mexico, and tropical South America, one being largely cultivated in the tropical regions of the globe. The species are allied to Opuntia, from which they differ in having erect and connivent, not expanding, petals, and in the stamens being shorter than the style, but longer than the corolla. Flowers scarlet; perianth inclosed. Leaves small, squamiform, on the younger tubercles. Branches articulated; joints compressed, obovate or oblong; tubercles bearing a few small prickles. Nopaleas thrive under conditions which are found suitable for Opuntias, and most other Cacti. A thoroughly well-drained soil, amongst which should be incorporated a fair proportion of lime rubbish (which acts as a draining agent, and also supplies the lime which, in the form of oxalate, is found in such large quantities in the stems of old plants), is all that is needed. Unlimited sunlight, a fair supply of water when in growth, and a less quantity when at rest, complete the necessary conditions.
N. coccinellifera (cochineal-bearing). fl. 1 1/2in. in diameter. August. l. soon falling off, leaving a white scar and a tuft of short wool and bristles. Stem and older branches ashen-grey, nearly cylindrical, the younger parts being deep green and flat; joints 5in. to 1ft. long. h. 8ft. to 10ft. West Indies, 1688. This plant is widely grown as food for the cochineal insects, of which large quantities are reared on it. SYN. Opuntia coccinellifera (B. M. 2741, 2742, under name of Cactus cochinellifer.)