Species |
Opuntia humifusa |
Common Name |
Prickly pear |
Habitat |
Sandhills, pine flatwoods, coastal scrub |
Flowering Time |
March – August |
Distribution
There are over 200 species of prickly pear cactus. Most species are found in Southwestern North America, Mexico, Central and South America. This prickly pear is found throughout the eastern U.S.
Description
Prickly pear is a low-growing, spreading cactus with oblong, flattened pads, 2-6 inches long. Some of the pads have sharp spines. The showy, bright yellow flowers are 3-4 inches across. The flowers attract several pollinators, including leafcutter bees, the flower scarab, and the cochineal insect. The reddish, green edible fruit are call tunas. The pulp is ruby red and tastes a little like watermelon. Prickly pear is threatened by a non-native Cactoblastis moth.
Interesting fact
Prickly pear has been used as food and medicines for thousands of years. The plants were so important to the Aztecs that they named cities for them. (e.g. Tenochtitlan)
Photos
GPS Coordinates
27.570255; – 81.505986
References
Archbold Biological Station
Floridata Description
Forest Service Description
Florida Wildflowers in the Natural Communities by Walter Kingsley Taylor, University Press of Florida ©1998
Art by Mollie Doctrow
2011-2015 Prickly Pear Shrine Box Journal Entries