Leaves
The Prickly Pear Cactus has generally spiny, rounded or oval pads, 3-5 inches across.

Flowers
Flat to cupped showy flowers appear in spring & summer, and the bloom is 1-3 inches across. The flowers are predominately yellow, often with reddish centers.

Fruit
The fruit is fig-like, up to 3 inches long and either smooth or spiny. It is usually red when ripe.

Trunk
Older stems have a protective, thin, light brown bark.

Propagation
This cactus propagates by seed or by rooting.

Landscape usage
Prickly Pear Cactus is useful in borders and at the front of mixed areas.  It is also suited to rock gardens and containers.

Interesting Facts
The sweet juicy fruits of the prickly-pear, called tunas, are said to taste a bit like watermellon and are very popular everywhere except the United States. In fact, annual world-wide commercial production of prickly-pear tunas is more than twice that of strawberries, avocados, or apricots! The pads, called nopales, are a popular vegetable in Mexico and Central America. They are usually cooked but can be eaten raw and these taste a little like green beans.

Prickly Pear Cactus flower

For more detailed information on this plant go to:
Volusia Extension