Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia, known as the prickly pear, is a diverse genus featuring flat, fleshy pads called cladodes. These succulent stems store water and are often covered in spines and tiny glochids. In spring, they produce vibrant, cup-shaped flowers in yellow, red, or orange, followed by edible fruits called tunas. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, these resilient plants are exceptionally drought-tolerant. They serve as striking accents, natural barriers, or a source of nutritious nopales.