I read in various forums that cactus is good for stars. I have a plant in my garden that looks like a cactus. I am not aware of the English name. I live in South India. Any feedback on the name of this cactus and/or if this can be given as food? Thank you in advance.
This is opuntia ficus indica. Most opuntia have paddle-shaped pads like this of different sizes and degrees of prickly spines or--even nastier--glochids, but generally speaking the fresh growth, fruit, and flowers are edible. I'd imagine that agriculturally or ornamentally, they've been planted in many warmer parts of the world, quite possibly even in India.
In the process of trying to get some variety of diet, I saw these colorful flowers in my neighborhood. I do not know the English name. Does anyone know if the flowers/leaves of this plant can be given as food to the star? Thank you.