Nature Awareness 6/22/2014 - Prickly Pear Cactus Most prickly pear cactus have yellow, red, or purple flowers, even among the same species. They vary in height from less than a foot (Plains, Hedgehog, Tuberous) to 6 or 7 feet (Texas, Santa Rita, Pancake). Pads can vary in width, length, shape, and color. Prickly pear cactus actually represent about a dozen species of the Opuntia genus (Family Cactaceae) in the North American deserts. All have flat, fleshy pads that look like large leaves. The pads are actually modified branches or stems that serve several functions: water storage, photosynthesis, and flower production. Like other cactus, most prickly pears and chollas have large spines growing from tubercles on their stems. But, members of the Opuntia genus are unique because of their clusters of fine, tiny, barbed spines called glochids. Found just above the cluster of regular spines, glochids are yellow or red in color and detach easily from the pads. Glochids are often difficult to see and more difficult to remove, once lodged in the skin. The fruits of most prickly pears are edible and sold in stores, oddly under the name tuna. Prickly pear branches (the pads) are also cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They, too, are sold in stores under the name Nopalito. For centuries, this cactus has symbolized healing, wholeness, and nourishment to native peoples. Because of the glochids, great care is required when harvesting or preparing prickly pear cactus, though. Both fruits and pads of the prickly pear cactus are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that may help keep blood sugar stable. Symbolism: healing, wholeness, nourishment, betterment, survival, travel, long journeys, transcendence, harmony, reverence, gratitude.
Posted on: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:48:26 +0000
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