The Role of Opuntia and the Revolutionary War

“The Redcoats are coming, the redcoats are coming!” This famous historical warning from the American Revolutionary War refers to the approach of the British Army. In addition, British officers were distinctly dressed in red wool coats. How are red coats associated with the Prickly Pear Cactus?

Indigenous People Influence

In the early 1500s, Spanish explorers discovered vibrant red dyes used by Mesoamerican indigenous people, Aztecs and Mayans. Red dyes were a challenging color to assimilate prior to this discovery. However, Spain imported this red dye source but kept it a secret for 200 years!

Red Dye Story

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia cochenillifera) has an insect scale pest called Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus). Wingless females produce a white, waxy substance for sun protection and carminic acid against predators. Carminic Acid is also a very powerful red dye! Harvesters would scrape off the cochineal insects, dry them in the sun, mix them with flour, and sell them in cake form. This scarlet dye, called Nocheztli, produced vibrant red clothing, and it was colorfast (not quickly fading). Nocheztli literally means cactus blood. However, it requires 70,000 cochineal bugs to produce just one pound of the brilliant dye.

Second only to Silver

Spain exported its secret Nocheztli throughout Europe, making it Spain’s second most valuable export (second to silver). Accordingly, it was used for royalty and the wealthiest at first. The British Army dyed their uniforms with Nocheztli due to its permanent color; hence, the Redcoats.

Future of Cochineal

The natural carmine pigment (Natural Red 4 or E-120) is valued as a safe, natural colorant in the food, cosmetic, and textile industries. Used in many everyday items like strawberry yogurt, red candies, lipsticks, beverages, etc. Traditionally grown in Mexico, the majority of the world’s commercial cochineal supply is now produced in Peru.

Visit the Discovery Gardens to view live plants of the Prickly Pear Cactus in the Southwest Garden. Additionally, stop by the MGV Plant Clinic for more information about mealy bugs and other plant pests. Located at the Lake County Agriculture Center, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares, FL 32778. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

This post was written with the help of Suzanne Hill, Lake Beautyberry Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Thank you!

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