Lexi Webster
The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia genus) was introduced to Australia in the 19th century and is now considered a weed. It was initially brought to the country for agricultural purposes and to establish a cochineal dye industry. However, it quickly spread across the country, covering vast areas of land and becoming an invasive species. In response, the Cactoblastis cactorum moth was introduced in 1925, and its larvae, which feed on the cactus, almost wiped out the prickly pear. Today, the prickly pear remains restricted under Australian biosecurity laws, and only one species, the Indian fig, is permitted. Despite its invasive nature, the prickly pear is enjoyed as a food item by some communities in Australia, such as the Maltese, who consume the fruit raw or soaked in vodka.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What eats prickly pear cactus in Australia | Cactoblastis cactorum moth, Cactoblastis larvae |
| Prickly pear species in Australia | Opuntia stricta, Opuntia inermis, Opuntia monacantha, Opuntia ficus-indica |
| Prickly pear common names | Cactus fruit, tiger pear, nopal, pest pear, spiny pest pear, Indian fig, Barbary fig, tunas, fichi d’India |
| Prickly pear uses | Natural agricultural fence, cochineal dye, fodder, natural fencing, food, soap |
| Prickly pear legal status in Australia | All species are illegal except for Opuntia ficus-indica |
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What You'll Learn
Cactoblastis cactorum moth and its larvae
The Cactoblastis cactorum, also known as the prickly pear moth, is a species of moth that specifically feeds on cactus species. It is native to South America and has been introduced in various locations worldwide, including Australia, to control invasive cacti species. The larvae of the Cactoblastis cactorum play a crucial role in this process by consuming cactus tissue, leading to the potential destruction of entire plants within weeks.
In its native range, the Cactoblastis cactorum has several natural enemies that help control its population. Ants, the primary predators of the moth, consume its larvae. New World monkeys also feed on the larvae and pupae, extracting them from the flattened leaf-like stems, known as cladodes, of the cacti. The relationship between the Cactoblastis cactorum and the Opuntia cactus species is parasitic, with the moth relying on the cactus as a host to lay its eggs.
The life cycle of the Cactoblastis cactorum larvae begins within the host cactus, where they spend approximately two months during the summer and up to four months during the winter. Once mature, the larvae exit the cactus pad and drop to the ground to form cocoons and pupate. The adult moths then emerge, with a primary focus on reproduction. Female moths can travel up to 10 kilometres in search of dense cactus patches for egg-laying, while male moths devote their energy to maximizing mating opportunities.
The introduction of the Cactoblastis cactorum in Australia is considered a successful example of biological pest control. The prickly pear cactus, particularly the Opuntia stricta species, had become an invasive species, rendering vast areas of farming land unusable. In 1925, the larvae of the Cactoblastis cactorum were introduced from Argentina, and within a decade, they had effectively eradicated the prickly pear infestation. This success led to the erection of monuments in Queensland, such as the Cactoblastis Memorial Hall in Boonarga, to commemorate the elimination of the prickly pear problem in the region.
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Cochineal insects
The British introduced prickly pear cacti to Australia in 1788 to establish a cochineal dye industry, as they desired a source of dye under their control. The attempt failed as the cochineal insects died off, but the cacti thrived and spread rapidly, causing problems for farmers and their livestock.
To control the spread of prickly pear cacti in Australia, the South American moth Cactoblastis cactorum was introduced in 1925. The larvae of this moth feed on the cactus tissue, and their rapid multiplication helped to bring the cacti under control by the 1920s. This case is often cited as a successful example of biological pest control.
In recent times, cochineal beetles have been used as a biological control agent for prickly pear cacti in Australia's Western Region. This alternative to chemical control was implemented to protect native plants and the fragile river ecosystem.
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The Maltese community in Australia
The first definite evidence of a Maltese person in Australia is from 1821, when a "Salvatore Diacono, of Maltese nationality" was mentioned in the archives of St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney. However, it is believed that the first Maltese convicts arrived around 1810, and the first Maltese immigrant (as opposed to convict or bonded servant) was Antonio Azzopardi, who arrived in 1838. During the 19th century, various attempts were made at organised mass migration, but it was not until 1883 that the first group of 70 labourers successfully arrived in Australia.
The Maltese-Australians maintain strong links with their homeland, facilitated by reciprocal government agreements on various issues. Many individuals of Maltese descent have made significant contributions to Australian society in diverse fields, including business, primary production, politics, and sports. However, one challenge faced by the community is the ageing of its members, with a significant proportion of the community being over 65 years old. Efforts are being made to preserve the Maltese language and cultural heritage among the growing second- and third-generation Maltese-Australians.
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Prickly pear as a natural agricultural fence
Prickly pear cacti, or the genus Opuntia, were introduced to Australia in the 19th century for use as a natural agricultural fence. However, the plant quickly became an invasive species, rendering 40,000 km2 of farming land unproductive. Despite this, in other parts of the world, the prickly pear is still used as a natural agricultural fence.
In the arid regions of Kenya, for example, the Rehabilitation of Arid Environments (RAE) Trust has employed the prickly pear as a living fence. The cactus is well-suited to the dry environment, and its paddles can be pruned and used to build new fences. Additionally, the paddles can be burned for household energy, and the ashes used as fertiliser.
In Northern California, Opuntia ficus-indica (also known as the Indian fig) is one of the most commonly used succulents in rural landscaping. It grows relatively quickly and produces edible pads (nopales) and fruit (tunas). While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, a mass planting of prickly pear cacti can be an impressive sight when in bloom.
It is important to note, however, that the spineless variety of the prickly pear may not be as effective as a barrier as its thorny counterpart. Nevertheless, it can still form a robust fence that is difficult to penetrate.
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Prickly pear as fodder for livestock
Prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.) are a drought-hardy species of cacti that have been used for agricultural fodder in South Africa, Australia, and other arid regions. The most common and widespread species, the Englemann (Opuntia engelmanni), is used as cattle feed by 20% of ranchers on Texas rangelands. In Brazil, dairy cattle producers incorporate fresh cactus as 60% of an animal's diet, with the remainder made up of hay, legumes, soymeal, wheat middlings, cottonseed hulls, or other forms of protein.
Prickly pear is a viable temporary diet for livestock until native animal food sources can recover after rainfall. In a study from the 1920s, sheep were able to survive on a diet of only prickly pear, salt, and bonemeal for 250 days. Though emaciated, they returned to a healthy condition after receiving a normal diet. Prickly pear is also used for live fencing, windbreaks, erosion control, bee forage, fuel, and fruit for household use and sale.
However, it is important to note that there are species within the Opuntia family that are dangerous to livestock health, namely Opuntia stricta and Opuntia aurantiaca. These species have long, sharp spikes that cows cannot break down, and consumption can lead to catastrophic damage to a cow's mouth and throat, eventually leading to starvation. To address this issue, new hybrid species of Opuntia have been bred without spines, offering a cost-effective solution for farmers in arid lands.
In Australia, most species of prickly pear are restricted under biosecurity laws due to their invasive nature. However, one species, the Indian fig (Opuntia ficus-indica), is allowed as it is deemed less invasive and destructive than other species. Prickly pear cacti were introduced to Australia in the First Fleet as hosts of cochineal insects used in the dye industry. Despite their successful use as animal fodder during droughts, some species, such as Opuntia stricta, spread rapidly and rendered 40,000 km2 of farming land unproductive. The introduction of the Cactoblastis cactorum moth from Argentina in 1925 was highly effective in controlling the prickly pear population in Australia, and by 1933, most overgrown areas had been cleared.
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Frequently asked questions
The Cactoblastis cactorum moth, whose larvae eat prickly pear, was introduced to Australia in 1925 and almost wiped out the prickly pear.
The Cactoblastis cactorum moth is native to Argentina and was introduced to Australia as a biological control agent to combat the prickly pear cactus infestation.
The prickly pear cactus, introduced to Australia in the 19th century, became an invasive species, rendering 40,000 km2 of farming land unusable. The Cactoblastis cactorum moth was brought in to control the infestation.
Female moths lay their eggs on the prickly pear plants. The hatched larvae then eat through the cactus pads to get to the soft interior tissue, which they feed on. The larvae can destroy an entire plant within weeks.
Yes, the prickly pear cactus is also used to make soap, similar to how aloe vera is used.
