Post by SOL Owner on Apr 24, 2016 11:34:10 GMT -6
There are 12 varieties of fruiting Opuntia cactus. Opuntia engelmannii (Englemann’s Prickly Pear) is native to the Sonoran Desert, and likely can found very near your house. Opuntia ficus indica is a larger, cultivated prickly pear that is often thornless and therefore easily harvested.
Englemann’s Prickly Pear has pinkish flower buds that open to yellow flowers. The immature fruit is green and matures to red, pink, or magenta. Pads are paddle-shaped and slightly larger than an adult’s outspread hand. Mature pads are green with medium to long spines.
www.desertharvesters.org/native-plant-food-guides-the-desert-can-feed-you/prickly-pear/#prickly-pear-fruit-and-pads-harvesting-basics
Englemann’s Prickly Pear has pinkish flower buds that open to yellow flowers. The immature fruit is green and matures to red, pink, or magenta. Pads are paddle-shaped and slightly larger than an adult’s outspread hand. Mature pads are green with medium to long spines.
www.desertharvesters.org/native-plant-food-guides-the-desert-can-feed-you/prickly-pear/#prickly-pear-fruit-and-pads-harvesting-basics