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
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Opuntia
Species:	O. matudae
Binomial name
Opuntia matudae Scheinvar

Uses

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]