Opuntia polyacantha Haw.
Annotated by Ian Troester-Solbrig, 2013. Sources: FPNW.

Idaho: Bannock County: Pocatello, Red Hill. Elev. 4751 ft.
42° 52.174' N, 112° 24.955' W
Datum: WGS 84. Uncertainty: 150 meters. Coordinate Source: Digital Map.
Dry, dusty soil on slope with Big Sage, Rabbitbrush, and various grasses. Opuntia polyacantha was commonly used for food. The plant’s spines were removed by charring, beating, or peeling. Traditionally Opuntia plants were used to dress wounds and treat diarrhea, lung problems, and difficutly urinating. This plant may reduce blood sugar in diabetics. Opuntia plants have been found to decrease tissue inflammation, inhibit ovarian cancer (in mice), decrease blood sugar, decrease blood cholesterol levels, inhibit intracellular replication of several viruses (including genital herpes, HIV, influenza, and respiratory sycitial virus), increase urination, decrease sperm motility, and increase wound healing speed. Phenology: Vegetative.

Ian Troester-Solbrig 96, Aug 16, 2013
IDS, Accession: 2016.001, Barcode: IDS0068025