Cactaceae Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf.

Pricklypear

Dakota - Other, Toys & Games

Use documented by:
Gilmore, Melvin R., 1919, Uses of Plants by the Indians of the Missouri River Region, SI-BAE Annual Report #33, page 104

View all documented uses for Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf.

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Scientific name: Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf.
USDA symbol: OPHUH (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Pricklypear
Family: Cactaceae
Family (APG): Cactaceae
Native American Tribe: Dakota
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Toys & Games
Notes: Plant used by small boys in playing games. The 'cactus game' was played on the prairie where the cactus abounded. One boy was chosen to be 'it' and he would take a stick, place a cactus plant upon it and hold it up it the air. The other boys would attempt to shoot at it with their bows and arrows and the target holder would run after the boy who hit the target and strike him with the spiny cactus making him 'it'.

RECRD: 31567 id: 24676

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