General description
It is a tufted shrub. The leaves are covered with needle like thorns emerging in-group from the leaf blade. The fruits are situated at the edges of the leaves.

Edible part(s), preparation methods and palatability
Fruits are reddish when ripe and eaten raw (removing the outer cover) by children in normal times. But consumed by everybody during food shortage periods. The fruits are also covered with sharp and thin spines. 

In Daro Lebu wereda, West Haraghe, particularly in the remote lowlands of Daro Abona, people are collecting and consuming available fruits from O. ficus-indica that is widespread all over the lowlands, during the dry season. Children and women collect the ripe fruits with a long wooden stick that has a large nail at its end (see picture). The fruit is pierced by the nail and torn off. It is then rubbed on the ground to remove the spines. The upper end of the fruit is sliced-off with a knife and the remaining piece sliced open on one side so that the thick skin can be easily removed by hand to eat the inner part (see pictures). High consumption of O. ficus-indica fruits, even though rather pleasant and tasty, causes intestinal problems. The fruit's taste and fleshy consistence are similar to a watermelon.

Opuntia species are spread all over Ethiopia and well known in most parts for their fruits as a famine food. In many parts of Tigray Region, the fruits are even sold on local markets, such as in Mekele town. In Konso people also eat the fruits in times of hardship.

Agroecology
Commonly grown in low- and midlands.

Propagation Method(s) 
Vegetative by cuttings.

Sample location(s)
(1) Daro Abona, Daro Lebu Wereda (West Hararghe); (2) Dibla Seat Kebele, Ganta Afesum Woreda (Eastern Tigray).

Remarks
The leaves are used as forage for animals in bad years when there is severe feed shortage. But the thorns should be removed by burning using fire or it has to be at its early succulent stage.