it draws water into its center and swells its tissues with as much as it can hold.
Yes, they are producers.
The Prickly Pear Cactus
One way that the prickly pear cactus [Opuntia spp] survives is by its defense mechanisms. It has branching or fleshy stems that are covered with barbed spines and bristles. The spines are difficult to remove once lodged in someone or something other than the cactus because of the barbs. Both the spines and the bristles are uncomfortable if not downright painful to whatsoever or whomsoever gets in their way.
As much as 90% and more of the weight of a Hudson pear cactus [Cylindropuntia rosea] can be devoted to water related activities. The Hudson pear cactus has stems and branching arms that contract and expand. The flexibility enables the cactus to make room for changing amounts of water and watery products and solutions inside.
To propagate a prickly pear cactus in water, you can cut a healthy pad from the cactus, let it dry for a few days to form a callus, then place it in a container with water. Change the water regularly and wait for roots to grow before planting it in soil.
on a pear
A prickly pear is a cactus. There is no commensalism or mutualism.
The fruit of the cactus is commonly known as a prickly pear or cactus pear. It is a sweet and flavorful fruit that grows on certain species of cacti.
Pear Cactus is used to help with diabetes, but no studies prove that Pear Cactus will cure diabetes.
No, a cactus is a plant, not an animal.
To plant prickly pear cactus successfully, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the cactus root ball and place the cactus in the hole. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly. Avoid overwatering and protect the cactus from frost in colder climates.
A cactus that stores water in its stem is called a stem succulent. The stem has tissues that are capable storing large quantities of water. The stem also has a thick waterproof epidermis covered by a waxy cuticle that prevents loss of water due by evaporation. Examples of stem succulents - Cardon Cactus, Organ Pipe Cactus, Saguaro Cactus