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How to Identify and Classify Nopal Cactus Paddles
Contributed by: Crossley
  • 1. What is the primary shape of a mature Nopal cactus paddle?
A) Triangular
B) Circular
C) Square
D) Oval or oblong
  • 2. What is the name of the small, barbed bristles found on Nopal paddles?
A) Glochids
B) Hairs
C) Thorns
D) Spines
  • 3. The term 'cladode' refers to what part of the Nopal cactus?
A) The fruit
B) The paddle
C) The root
D) The flower
  • 4. What is the typical color of a young, healthy Nopal paddle?
A) Pale yellow
B) Dark brown
C) Bright green
D) Light blue
  • 5. Are spines always present on Nopal cactus paddles?
A) Only on old paddles
B) No
C) Yes
D) Only on young paddles
  • 6. What indicates that a Nopal paddle may be unhealthy?
A) Regular spine distribution
B) Discoloration and soft spots
C) Firm texture
D) Bright green color
  • 7. The 'areoles' on a Nopal paddle are where which of the following grow?
A) Only roots
B) Only leaves
C) Only spines
D) Spines, glochids, and flowers
  • 8. What is the most common use for Nopal cactus paddles?
A) Building material
B) Fuel
C) Clothing
D) Food
  • 9. What type of leaf does the Nopal cactus have?
A) Broad leaves
B) It lacks true leaves.
C) Compound leaves
D) Needle-like leaves
  • 10. What is the primary method of propagation for Nopal cacti?
A) Air layering
B) Stem cuttings (paddle propagation)
C) Seed germination
D) Root division
  • 11. How does the age of a Nopal paddle affect its suitability for consumption?
A) Age doesn't affect tenderness.
B) Only the spines affect tenderness.
C) Older paddles are more tender.
D) Younger paddles are more tender.
  • 12. What is a common pest that affects Nopal cacti?
A) Cochineal scale
B) Ladybugs
C) Earthworms
D) Honeybees
  • 13. What is the general climate that Nopal cacti thrive in?
A) Arid and semi-arid
B) Arctic tundra
C) Temperate deciduous forest
D) Tropical rainforest
  • 14. What is the purpose of the waxy coating on the paddle's surface?
A) Attract pollinators
B) Deter predators
C) Reduce water loss
D) Provide structural support
  • 15. Which of these is a characteristic of a healthy areole?
A) Missing or damaged
B) Soft and mushy
C) Firm and well-defined
D) Covered in mold
  • 16. What is the significance of the flowers on a Nopal cactus?
A) They serve as a food source for the cactus.
B) They are purely ornamental.
C) They lead to fruit production.
D) They are toxic to humans.
  • 17. What is the botanical family that Nopal cacti belong to?
A) Fabaceae
B) Poaceae
C) Rosaceae
D) Cactaceae
  • 18. What is the edible fruit of the Nopal cactus called?
A) Tuna
B) Areole
C) Glochid
D) Cladode
  • 19. What part of the Nopal cactus is typically used to make nopales (the edible vegetable)?
A) Roots
B) Young paddles
C) Flowers
D) Fruits
  • 20. Which characteristic is useful in differentiating between different species of Nopal?
A) Paddle color only
B) Spine arrangement and density
C) Flower color only
D) Paddle size only
  • 21. What type of soil is best for growing Nopal cacti?
A) Well-draining soil
B) Salty soil
C) Waterlogged soil
D) Clay-rich soil
  • 22. What is the purpose of 'curing' or drying Nopal paddles after harvesting?
A) To add nutrients
B) To reduce moisture content
C) To soften the texture
D) To increase sweetness
  • 23. Which of the following is a sign of overwatering in Nopal cacti?
A) Firm, upright paddles
B) Bright green color
C) Soft, mushy paddles
D) Abundant spine growth
  • 24. What is the role of spines on Nopal paddles?
A) Attracting pollinators
B) Defense against herbivores
C) Producing energy
D) Supporting the plant
  • 25. How are glochids typically removed from Nopal paddles before consumption?
A) Boiling
B) Soaking in water
C) Scrubbing or singeing
D) Freezing
  • 26. Why should you wear gloves when handling Nopal cactus paddles?
A) To keep the paddles clean
B) To protect the plant
C) To protect from glochids
D) To prevent allergic reactions
  • 27. What is the best time of year to harvest Nopal paddles?
A) Spring and summer
B) Any time of year
C) Winter
D) Fall
  • 28. Which of the following is a common method of cooking Nopal paddles?
A) Baking
B) Frying
C) All of the above
D) Grilling
  • 29. What is a characteristic of the flowers of the Nopal cactus?
A) Fragrant
B) Odorless
C) Small and inconspicuous
D) Large and showy
  • 30. What is a key indicator of the overall health of the Nopal cactus?
A) Pale coloration
B) Consistent growth rate
C) Excessive spine production
D) Lack of flowering
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