Prickly pear cactus can reproduce by seed, root division and by cuttings from the paddles being individually rooted.
The Prickly Pear Cactus
A "prickly pear" is not actually a pear.
on a pear
A prickly pear is a cactus. There is no commensalism or mutualism.
To safely and effectively cut a prickly pear cactus, wear thick gloves to protect your hands from the spines. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut off the prickly pear pads or fruit. Be cautious of the sharp spines and use a steady hand to avoid injury.
The prickly pear provides food and home for the wood rat. In turn, the wood rat acts a pollinator for the prickly pear.
by playing dead
by playing dead
No. the prickly pear is not native to Australia. It is an introduced species, and a noxious pest.
To safely and effectively cut a prickly pear, first wear gloves to protect your hands from the spines. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the fruit. Then make a vertical slit down the side of the prickly pear and peel off the skin. Finally, slice the fruit into desired pieces and enjoy!
Prickly pear cacti typically live for about 20 to 30 years.