Prickly Pear Cactus
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Prickly pear cactus, genus Opuntia, are known for their round flat stems and fruiting flowers.
They are among the most common genus of cacti found in the United States with a couple dozen different species identified.
Some species are known for being comparatively cold resistant and adaptable. The U.S. Forest Service, for example, lists the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus as a native plant in thirty five different states, although it is rare in some of them.
Differences among Prickly Pear species are easily recognizable, once you know where to look. They range in size between one to six feet. Some are spineless and others have spines. Their pads and spines also tend to show characteristic coloring based on species type.
The top picture shows the flower of the Texas Prickly Pear Cactus. The bottom picture shows a new Texas Prickly pear leaf.
© 2004-2011 Patricia A. Michaels.