Opuntia species, commonly known as prickly pear cacti, have attracted considerable scientific interest due to their diverse health benefits and nutritional properties. Rich in essential minerals, ...

Background and aims –Opuntia is the most widespread genus of Cactaceae, naturally occurring throughout arid and semi-arid areas of the Americas. Many of the species have taxonomic problems resulting ...

Q. How do I keep cactus out of my yard? They grow somewhat flat on the ground and have yellow flowers. I have sandy soil – I call them sand cactus. I keep digging them up, but can’t seem to get rid of ...

A native prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa) on the left, thrives next to non-native horticultural varieties of succulent stonecrop species (Sedum or Phedimus). Photo by Bala Chaudhary.

I’ve noticed it is a common New Year’s resolution to be more kind; another way to put this might be to be less prickly! Perhaps a great way to be reminded of such resolve is to add a spineless prickly ...

The prickly pear cactus is probably the most identifiable plant (besides the saguaro) in the Sonoran Desert. The species most often seen in the wild here is Engelmann prickly pear, or Opuntia ...