prickly pear

Prickly pear plant, southern Mexico. The name refers to the edible fruit of some species of cactus, which are an important food source in many tropical and subtropical areas. The prickly pear is grown as a forage crop, as well as for its fruit, and its seeds are used to produce oil. The water-storing flat stems (particularly of spineless varieties) are also used to feed stock during times of severe drought.

Any of several cacti (see cactus) native to Central and South America, mainly Mexico and Chile, but naturalized in southern Europe, North Africa, and Australia, where it is a pest. The common prickly pear (O. vulgaris) is low-growing, with flat, oval stem joints, bright yellow flowers, and prickly, oval fruit; the flesh and seeds of the peeled fruit have a pleasant taste. (Genus Opuntia, family Cactaceae.)