Prickly Pear

Prickly Pear

Prickly Pear Opuntia has several species. The stems of Prickly Pear are round flattened pads which are spiny on the outside and store water inside. As well as spines the surface is studded with glochids which are typical of the Opuntieae. Glochids are little bumps with soft-looking barbed bristles which sometimes have sharp spines sticking out as well. [CH] {CA}