Options Barbary figs are desert plants. They need the right climate to thrive. This plant is a variety of prickly pear cactus and bears fruit that can be consumed by humans and animals. These plants originated in Mexico but now grow in the United States and Africa as well. They have to have a lot of sun and heat. They can be grown inside with proper care but can also grow up to 10 feet tall so must be properly maintained.
Key Takeaways:
- Barbary fig, a relative of the prickly pear, has been cultivated for its fruit and dye for generations.
- The cactus doesn’t make any dye, but insects feed on it, that are then harvested and used for that dye
- The plant grows best in arid climates, but can grow through zone 8 with enough sun and care.
“With the right sunny spot and dry soil, your Barbary fig may grow as tall as ten feet (3 meters), so give it plenty of space, or plan spacing accordingly if you want to use it as a fence.”