Prickly pear
Botanical name: Opuntia
Prickly pear
Botanical name: Opuntia
Description
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, prickly pear (Opuntia) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Prickly pear grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Species of Prickly pear
Beavertail cactus 'Baby Rita'
The attractive, but diminutive prickly pear, beavertail cactus 'Baby Rita' is smaller than its parent plant, growing to a maximum height of 30 cm. This small stature influenced its name. Developed by Waterwise Botanicals, this cultivar also differs in its ability to thrive in cooler maritime climates. Gardeners prize this cactus for its beautiful reddish-pink flowers.
Velvet tree-pear
The scientific name of the Opuntia tomentosa comes from the Latin word "tomento," which means "extremely fine hairs," since instead of spines like most cacti, velvet tree-pear has green segments that feel velvety due to the very fine hairs that cover it. This plant is grown in Central America to collect the insect cochineal, which is used to make carmine dye.
Erect Prickly Pear
Erect Prickly Pear is an upright-growing succulent shrub native to the Caribbean. The flowers are vibrant yellow, but sometimes have rosy or crimson-colored patterns on the exterior petals. This variety of cactus has leaf-like turquoise stems called cladodes. It is hairless but covered with small prickly bristles. The unripe fruits are green, but turn to plum as they ripen.
Brittle prickly pear
Brittle prickly pear (Opuntia fragilis) is a small cactus species also known as little prickly pear. Brittle prickly pear is a low-growing, clumping cactus with yellow-green colored flowers. New pads grow out of the top of the cactus, causing it to bend over. Where the new pads touch the soil, roots form and grow into new cacti. Pads that break off can form entirely new colonies. This little cactus may not flower indoors.
Erect prickly pear
Erect prickly pear is a cactus shrub that has spread in many areas and has become invasive in Australia, Asia, and Africa. This cactus grows best in desert and dry environments. Its attractive yellow flowers and stems are pleasant ornamentals. Erect prickly pear produces edible and juicy fruits with a tang of sweetness and acidity.
Twist spine prickly pear
Opuntia macrorhiza is commonly called twist spine prickly pear. It is found in the Great Plains and many areas in the United States and northern Mexico. This cactus is cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Dollarjoint pricklypear
Dollarjoint pricklypear, or Opuntia chlorotica, is a species of cactus native to the United States. Like many cacti, it is drought-tolerant and covered in sharp spines. It grows in an upright, bush habit.
Plains Pricklypear
Plains Pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha) is a fruit-bearing cactus species native to North America. Plains Pricklypear grows in sagebrush, savannas, and prairies. The fruit is high in fiber, antioxidants and carotenoids. Prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope feed on it.
Prickly pear
Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a flowering cactus native to Mexico. Prickly pear is a widely domesticated species grown for agricultural purposes in arid climates throughout the world. This species is edible and planted widely as a fruit and vegetable crop. Prickly pear is commercially valued as food, animal fodder, an adobe ingredient, and is also planted to control soil erosion.
Eastern prickly pear
Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa) is a cactus native to eastern North America that grows low to the ground. Eastern prickly pear requires a hot, dry climate and full sunlight for optimal growth, as it cannot grow in shade. In the wild, this species grows in sandy, rocky, and coastal scrub habitats.
Nopal tapon
Nopal tapon is a prickly pear known and loved for its fast growth rate. It suits desert, Mediterranean, cactus, and xeriscape gardens, but they need to be large, as this cactus requires a good amount of space. Nopal tapon should be grown indoors in colder climates. The vibrant fruit nopal tapon produces is eaten by various animals.
Hairspine pricklypear
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, hairspine pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Hairspine pricklypear grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Coastal Pricklypear
Coastal Pricklypear (Opuntia littoralis) originates in California and Baja California. It grows in chaparrals and sage scrublands where it can form large clusters that make great hiding places for small animals. The coastal Pricklypear produces edible fruit.
Desert Christmas Cactus
Desert Christmas Cactus (Opuntia leptocaulis) is cactus that grows wild in the chaparral scrublands and arid deserts of the American southwest and Mexico. The desert Christmas Cactus produces red berries in the winter season in the wild, which have been reported to cause intoxication if ingested. Indigenous people would mix these berries in a drink to cause altered states of consciousness.
Tulip prickly pear
Opuntia phaeacantha is the common Opuntia species in sandy and rocky soils across the southwest United States. Tulip prickly pear is a widespread cactus that often hybridizes with several other Opuntia species, producing both named and unnamed hybrids, making the identification of Opuntia phaeacantha slightly difficult.
Long-Spined Purplish Prickly Pear
Long-Spined Purplish Prickly Pear is a slow-growing, shrub-shaped cactus that is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Its most notable feature is the purple hue to its prickly pads. It also produces large yellow or red blooms and dark red fruit.
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear (Opuntia oricola) is a species of pricklypear cactus indigenous to sage scrub and chaparral habitats along the southwestern coast of North America, in California and Baja California. The tree-like, bushy succulent blooms yellow-to-orange flowers in spring, followed by pear-shaped fruit called a "tuna" that's juicy, sweet, and edible.
Beavertail cactus
Beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is a low-spreading cactus that with gray-blue, wide fleshy pads that look like a beaver’s tail. Vibrant rose-purple flowers bloom from spring to summer, followed by prickly pear fruit, which attracts birds. Grows in full sun and well-drained soil.
Prickly pear
Prickly pear is often cultivated as a hedge or an ornamental plant. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and thrives in semi-arid areas and savannas. The flowers range from reddish to yellow, and it bears fleshy fruits. The seed may remain viable in the soil for at least 19 months.
Arborescent pricklypear
Arborescent pricklypear is a species of cactus once found only in the mountains of Mexico. It is now considered an invasive species in southern North America. It produces yellow flowers which are followed by yellow fruits. This species can grow up to 3.5 m tall.
Santa rita prickly pear
Santa rita prickly pear is a beautiful cactus that turns a vibrant purple color during wintertime. Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, Santa Rita prickly pear is named after the Santa Rita mountains in Arizona. Be careful around this plant, though; its spines may be small, but they can be quite painful.
Pycnantha cactus
Pycnantha cactus (Opuntia pycnantha) is a drought-tolerant, deciduous succulent species. Pycnantha cactus is native to Baja California Sur and also grows in Arizona. This species tolerates deer and rabbits, and is valued as an ornamental garden plant. Pycnantha cactus spines are very sharp so it should be handled with caution.
Angel's-wings
Angel's-wings (Opuntia microdasys) is a flowering cactus species native to Mexico. Angel's-wings is closely related to Opuntia rufida, which can be differentiated from Opuntia microdasys by its reddish color. Some scientists consider the two cacti to be the same species. This species is also known as the bunny ears cactus, the bunny cactus, or the polka-dot cactus. It is sometimes planted as an ornamental on borders and in gardens.
Drooping prickly pear
Drooping prickly pear (Opuntia monacantha) is a succulent shrub that will grow to 6 m tall. Blooms in summer with yellowish to deep orange flowers that are large and up to 8 cm long and 10 cm wide. Large fruit is reddish-purple and ripens in fall. Fast growing in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil.
Opuntia columbiana
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, opuntia columbiana (Opuntia columbiana) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Opuntia columbiana grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Angel's-wings 'Albata'
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, angel's-wings 'Albata' (Opuntia microdasys 'Albata') are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Angel's-wings 'Albata' grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Opuntia humifusa var. humifusa
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, opuntia humifusa var. humifusa (Opuntia humifusa var. humifusa) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Opuntia humifusa var. humifusa grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Opuntia bravoana
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, opuntia bravoana (Opuntia bravoana) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Opuntia bravoana grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Opuntia pottsii
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, opuntia pottsii (Opuntia pottsii) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Opuntia pottsii grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Great pricklypear
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, great pricklypear (Opuntia phaeacantha var. major) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Great pricklypear grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Opuntia soederstromiana
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, opuntia soederstromiana (Opuntia soederstromiana) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Opuntia soederstromiana grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Opuntia wilcoxii
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, opuntia wilcoxii (Opuntia wilcoxii) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Opuntia wilcoxii grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Violet prickly pear
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, violet prickly pear (Opuntia gosseliniana) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Violet prickly pear grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Cactus apple
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, cactus apple (Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Cactus apple grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Golden prickly pear
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, golden prickly pear (Opuntia aurea) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Golden prickly pear grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Opuntia decumbens
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, opuntia decumbens (Opuntia decumbens) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Opuntia decumbens grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Texas pricklypear
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, texas pricklypear (Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Texas pricklypear grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Chisos mountain pricklypear
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, chisos mountain pricklypear (Opuntia chisosensis) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Chisos mountain pricklypear grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Opuntia discata
Some of the most widespread cacti in the world, opuntia discata (Opuntia discata) are hardy generalists with an iconic forms. Opuntia discata grow oblong, pear-shaped paddles that are usually covered with spines. Many species within this genus form brightly colored edible fruits, which have been eaten by humans for millenia. Though they can be eaten raw, they can also be incorporated into baked goods, jellies, and jams.
Care Guide for Prickly pear
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Prickly pear 
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