Prickly Pear Cactus Characteristics

Opuntia Appearance: Dark green; red fruits

Size: The pads 4" to 18"; plant is 12’’ to 7’ tall
Location: Permaculture garden behind courtside
The Prickly Pear Cactus is found in all of
Season: Year-round; fruits in the summer
the deserts in the American Southwest
Hazards: Spines are very sharp
and can be found in the mountains as
well. The flowers and fruit attract all
types of pollinators and animals. The o Native
fruits of the plant and the paddles have
fibers that keep blood sugar stable in
humans. They can be prepared to eat
but must be delicately prepared because
of the spines

Fun Facts Sources

Prickly pear has been used in some medical Desert USA
studies and it’s been shown that the pulp of the Pictures: Megan Leich and Katie Furlong
plant lowers levels of bad cholesterol and that it ‘18
might lower needs of insulin in people who have
diabetes.