Noun
A cactaceous plant (Nopalea cochinellifera), originally Mexican, on which the cochineal insect feeds, and from which it is collected. The name is sometimes given to other species of Cactaceae.
Source: Webster's dictionaryAccording to legend, the Mexicas' principal god, Huitzilopochtli indicated the site where they were to build their home by presenting an eagle perched on a nopal cactus with a snake in its beak. Source: Internet
Cultivated forms are often significantly less spiny or even spineless.sfn The nopal industry in Mexico was said to be worth US$150 million in 2007. Source: Internet
Nopal is also a great source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, which helps cleanse the colon. Source: Internet