Opuntia sp.

Cactus fig or prickly pear

Family Cactaceae

Opuntia sp., cactus fig or prickly pear (Op. sp 1), is a cactus with a flattened stem in round pads, bearing spines and tufts of bristles. The flowers are usually large and yellow. Some species produce edible fruits (Op. sp 2) and are cultivated for that purpose in Mexico and California.

Use
The fruits are eaten fresh and made into jams and jellies. One species, Opuntia ficus-indica, the Indian fig, has been introduced from Mexico into the Mediterranean region, South Africa and Australia and has gained some importance.