SafePlants

Prickly Pear Cactus: A Versatile Plant of the American Southwest

Prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.) are a common sight in California and the broader American Southwest, known for their distinctive appearance and diverse uses.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that prickly pear and agave possess defensive structures, which may include spines or thorns.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that prickly pear and agave possess defensive structures, which may include spines or thorns.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Opuntia spp.
• Common Names: Prickly pear, barbary pear, cactus pear, Indian fig, tuna, beavertail cactus, beavertail pricklypear

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Opuntia
• The genus Opuntia includes prickly pear, bunny ears, and beaver tail cacti.
• Mentioned species and varieties include: Opuntia basilaris, Opuntia littoralis, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia tuna, Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia fragilis, and Cylindropuntia californica var. californica.

Distribution and Habitat

• Prickly pear cacti are widespread in California, particularly Southern California, and throughout the American Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas).
• They are also found in other regions, including Ontario, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.
• Opuntia littoralis is commonly found in coastal California.
• The Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus is found as far as Ontario.

Ecological Role

• The text notes that some defensive plants like prickly pear can be invasive in certain environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus is described as a perennial succulent cactus with jointed segments.
• Cylindropuntia californica var. californica is described as a perennial herb with succulent stems.
• Opuntia littoralis is a sprawling prickly-pear that often forms huge colonies.

Uses

• Prickly pear fruit, also known as tunas, are harvested for consumption.
• They can be used to make juice, jam, candy, and a prickly pear spirit called Opuntia.
• Tribes in New Mexico and the Baja region of California have historically applied warm nopales.
• Prickly pear may have potential as a permanent crop on California farmland, producing fruit for up to 15 years.

Quirky Facts

• Ventura Spirits Company in California produces a prickly pear spirit called Opuntia.
• Prickly pear is being considered as a water-friendly superfood as an alternative to almonds in California.

Further Information

• Small Farm Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
• University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources