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Two - PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS
Prickly pear cactus represent about a dozen species of the
Opuntia Genus in the North American deserts. All have flat,
fleshy pads that look like large leaves. The pads are actually
modified branches or stems that serve for water storage, photosynthesis
and flower production.
Most prickly pears have large spines growing from tubercles
on their stems. But members of the Opuntia genus are unique
because of their clusters of fine, tiny, barbed spines called
glochids. Found just above the cluster of regular spines,
glochids are yellow or red in color and detach easily from
the pads. Glochids are often difficult to see and more difficult
to remove, once lodged in the skin.
The fruits of most prickly pears are edible and used to make
drinks, pies, jam, jellies, and other dessert items. Prickly
pear pads are also cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
The following photos of a single cactus were taken over a
five month period in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve near trail
100, just west of 23rd street north of Shea Blvd. View the
photos to observe the changes from February through June --
buds, flowers to fruit.
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