THE TUNERO NOPAL: DESCRIPTION BOTANY, USES AND ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Abstract

This document brings together the experiences obtained in the study of the cactus pear cactus through the following sources of information: a) Bibliographic Review; b) Collection of information obtained from peasants and farmers who carry out activities related to the cactus pear cactus; e) Direct observation and comparison of this, and d) research carried out with this species in wild, solar and cultivated populations.
The article focuses on the description of basic biological aspects, such as origin, taxonomy, morphology and anatomy of the plant components (stem, leaf, root, flower, fruit and seed), genetics, physiology, ecology, chemical composition, etc., aspects that are complemented by a chapter on uses and economic importance of the different parts of the plant.
The purpose of this writing is to guide readers about the importance that this species represents in academic, research and commercial exploitation areas.