A Grammatical Dictionary of Botanical Latin

Tuna,-ae (s.f.I): “any of various flat-jointed prickly pears of the genus Opuntia; esp. a tropical American plant (O. tuna)” (WIII); see cactus,-i (s.m.II); see Opus,-untis (s.f.III);

NOTE: Opuntia may be commonly called “paddle cactus” for the shape of its fleshy, vegetative segments in flat, jointed pads. The ‘tune’ refers to the pear-like, rounded fruit.

- Lichenoides gelatinosum, foliis angustioribus tuniformibus. The Tuna or India Fig-like jelly Lichenoides [Lichenoides gelatinosum]; with the leaves narrower, in the shape of tuna [Opuntia].

Syn. Lichenoides gelatinosum opuntioides.

NOTE: India Fig Opuntia = Opuntia ficus-indica: the plant is called ‘nopal,’ while the fruit is called ‘tuna.’

(genus) Tuna Dill. Hortus Elthamensis. 295-299 (in Linnaeus under ‘Cactus,’ Gen. Plantarum).

- Folia e foliis prodeunt, Tunae instar, qua egrediuntur angustiora, qua alia excipiunt latiora, non tamen separata & articulata, sed continuata (Dill.), the leaves come forth from the leaves, resembling a Tuna, partly coming forth narrower, partly others, that come next, wider, not, however, separated and articulated [i.e. jointed], but united.

NOTE: Tuna (Mexican Spanish)= Opuntia; Tuna Cordona = Opuntia streptacantha; Miel de Tuna = Opuntia; Queso de Tuna = Opuntia (Uphof).

- Lichenoides gelatinosum, foliis latioribus tuniformibus. The broader Tuna or India Fig-like jelly Lichenoides (Dill.), with leaves broader, tuniform.