Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus) Pereskia aculeata
Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus) (Pereskia aculeata) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Cactaceae family, native to Tropical America, from Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina. It grows 3–10 m (10–33 ft) tall and 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Mature height | 3–10 m (10–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (cooked; high in protein), fruit |
| Native to | Tropical America, from Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Invasive in | South Africa, Queensland and New South Wales: check local rules before planting |
Is Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; hooked spines on the stems.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus)
- How far apart should I plant Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft).
- Does Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; hooked spines on the stems.
- What grows well with Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis, leaf cactus). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- A leafy, climbing cactus that looks like any scrambling shrub, with hooked spines, fragrant cream flowers and small yellow fruit: a reminder of what early cacti were like. In Brazil the protein-rich leaves (ora-pro-nóbis) are cooked with chicken and in omelettes. A smothering weed of forests in South Africa.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Teddy-bear cholla Cylindropuntia bigelovii
- Engelmann's prickly pear Opuntia engelmannii
- Organ pipe cactus Stenocereus thurberi
- Mexican giant cardón Pachycereus pringlei