Opuntia ficus-indica is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant important in agricultural economies throughout arid and semi-arid parts of the world and is thought to possibly be native to Mexico. Flowers vary from red to yellow, all producing sweet, succulent, but pippy fruits. ... Learn More

Large, yellow, waxy-petalled flowers with orange centres grow along the margins of the mature, succulent flattened leaf segments. Barbed bristles are found around the surfaces of the segments, and longer spines are sometimes present. As the juicy edible red fruits mature they change colour from green to red, and often remains on the cactus until the following spring. ... Learn More

Although many of the opuntias are quite frost hardy when kept dry, this one is probably the most damp-tolerant in winter. Bright green succulent pads with deciduous spines are decorated with huge yellow flowers, many of which have a striking deep pink blush in the centre. Finally, luscious, delicious, plum red fruits ripen in late autumn and winter. ... Learn More

This small opuntia is quite astonishingly frost-hardy when dry, and seldom reaches 12 inches in height or more than 2-3 feet across. It makes a splendid ornamental plant where space is scarce, with rounded spiny pads and very large bright yellow flowers. It has a large geographic range, being found from New Mexico and Utah, and into Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana. ... Learn More