“Opuntia”
Opuntia is colloquially referred to as the “prickly pear” for its paddle-like cladodes bearing glochids (barbed hairs or prickles). A ubiquitous genus of cactus, it is found not only in North America, where it is endemic, but also in the Mediterranean Basin, Asia, and Australia.
Known for its impressive flowers, many species, such as the Engelmann prickly pear (Opuntia engelmannii), beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris), Indian fig (Opuntia ficus-indica), and others are cultivated for ornamentation. Also prized for its fruit, or tunas, the cactus has myriad dietary applications, being incorporated into juices, jams, and sweets.
Graphite on recycled Strathmore drawing paper. 2025.
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