Nomenclatura vernácula, uso y manejo de Opuntia spp. en Santiago Bayacora, Durango, México

We documented traditional knowledge on nomenclature and vernacular classification, location of plants, use, and management of wild prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) at three localities of Santiago Bayacora in Durango, Mexico. A total of 10 persons were interviewed using the "snowball" technique. The information obtained was analyzed using frequency histograms and cluster analysis. Local residents identified the nine species of Opuntia known from the area, as well as two more, not previously recorded. Their classification coincided with the Linnaean classification for eight of nine species. The cluster analysis showed that the most important diagnostic characters were associated with use (size, color and flavor of the fruit; and number of thorns on the cladodes). Opuntia is used mainly as food (cladode and fruit) for local consumption, or sold in local markets. Currently no management strategies exist in the area, and little is done to conserve the resource.