Yang, S.Y., Yang, Z.X., Li, Z.G., & Zhao, Y.H. 2001 [Utility and prospects for Opuntia ficus-indica.]. Forest Research 14(1): 85-89.

Notes: Opuntia ficus-indica is an economic plant widely used as a fruit, vegetable, medicine and feed. It can be also used to revegetate barren hills, prevent water and soil erosion, and improve the ecological environment and the landscape, and is a good host for Dactylopius coccus (the cochineal producing insect). It is difficult to use various other species to afforest hot-dry or semi-hot-dry valleys such as those of the Jinshajiang River, the Lancangjiang River, the Nujiang River and the Yuanjiang River, because of the high mountains, steep slopes and stony soils. If Opuntia ficus-indica is selected for 'afforesting' these regions, it could not only prevent water and soil erosion, but also bring about obvious ecological, economic and social benefits. The paper discusses the utilization and prospects of Opuntia ficus-indica in western China.