Prickly Pear, Opuntia ficus-indica, also known as Indian Fig, Mission Cactus and Barbary Fig, is an evergreen, bushy, fruit bearing plant (cactus), growing up to 5 meters tall. It is an indigenous to Mexico and has been naturalized throughout the Americas. Opuntia ficus-indica is a member of the Cactaceae family the genus Opuntia.

The Prickly Pear is a long time cultivated crop plant important in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world, grown mainly as a fruit crop. It is an extremely easy plant to grow in drier climates, and needs almost no water once established. A hardy to -5ºC can also withstand temperatures well above 40°C, as it is adapted to desert conditions.

Leaves are large pads bearing few if any thorns, oblong-shaped, 25-50cm long, and 10- 20cm wide. Pads are edible and they are consumed as a vegetable. Flowers are born in springtime or early summertime on the margin of pads, in three distinguishable colors: white, yellow and red and are cup-shaped.

Fruit, called tuna, is edible, sweet, and roundish, up to 8cm long, green maturing to beautiful purple color. The bright red, purplish, white or yellowish flesh contains many tiny hard seeds that are commonly swallowed, but should be avoided by those who have gastrointestinal problems with seeds.

The fruits of the Prickly Pear are generally consumed fresh or used in juices minus the thick external skin after chilling in a refrigerator for a few hours. They have a taste akin to a juicy extra sweet watermelon very refreshing on a hot summer days.

Plant propagation is by seed, stem cuttings or single pads. Grow the plants in full sun. The cultivating of Opuntia ficus-indica involves only that it be planted and then left to grow on its own, without fertilizer or irrigation. It is best grown on non-productive land for crops or grazing domestic animals.

Prickly Pear, Opuntia ficus-indica

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The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.