Brown-spine prickly pear facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brown-spine prickly pear |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Opuntia
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| Species: |
phaeacantha
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The tulip prickly pear or desert prickly pear (scientific name: Opuntia phaeacantha) is a type of prickly pear cactus. You can find it growing in the southwestern United States, the lower Great Plains, and northern Mexico. This cactus often grows in thick, dense patches. There are many different kinds of this species, and it can also mix with other prickly pears, which sometimes makes it hard to tell them apart.
Contents
What Does the Tulip Prickly Pear Look Like?
The Opuntia phaeacantha cactus grows in a mounding shape. It has flat, green pads that are protected by groups of spines. Each group usually has 1 to 4 spines. These spines can be brown, reddish-brown, or gray, and they are often longer than 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches).
At the bottom of each spine group, there's a small, round bunch of brown bristles called glochids. These glochids come off very easily. You'll also find them on the fruit. These tiny bristles are why the plant is called a "prickly pear"!
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the tulip prickly pear are bright yellow. They have a pale green center. Some plants even have yellow flowers with an orange-red center.
The fruit of this cactus is edible and turns red or purple when ripe. Inside, the fruit has pink, seedy flesh. It tastes a bit like watermelon or pear. Both the fruit and the juicy pads are important food sources for animals living in the desert.
Other Names for This Cactus
Over time, this cactus has been known by several other names. Some older names, or names for types now considered part of this species, include plateau prickly pear, brown-spined prickly-pear, Mojave prickly pear, and Kingman prickly pear.
This cactus is found in many places, from California all the way south to Mexico and across the Southwestern United States. Scientists are still studying the different types, and some might even become their own species one day!
How Do People Use This Cactus?
Just like some other Opuntia species, the tulip prickly pear can be prepared and eaten. It's similar to how people might prepare Opuntia humifusa for food.
Images for kids
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A bright yellow flower of the tulip prickly pear.
See also
In Spanish: Opuntia phaeacantha para niños
