~Prickly Pear~

~Opuntia ficus-indica~

These small new growth pads are
sprouting out of the parent pad below.
Indian Fig Opuntia (also called the Tuna cactus)
is grown primarily as a fruit crop.
Most culinary references to the "prickly pear"
are referring to this species.
The name "tuna" is also used
for the fruit of this cactus,
which is the large, sweet globe which remains
after the flower has fallen off, and it has ripened.
The most widespread of domesticated cacti,
Opuntia was eaten by humans over 9000 years ago.



Thanks for looking.