Over the weekend I picked a few of these fruits from the native Texas Prickly Pear cactus or Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri (O. lindheimeri. It was designated the official plant symbol of Texas in 1995. These cactuses are common in the drier areas of South and Central Texas and Mexico. As you can see in the picture, in the spring time (so it was a little early to do this) since it is still September but the cactus will produce these fruits also known as “tuna.” They can vary in shape and size but have a thin skin, thick rind, and a really juicy pulp. They have been used by humans and animals alike for as long as their existence. The inside is fairly sweet and can be used to be syrups, teas, or juices that have been known to help cure gallstones. They are covered in a little hairs though that have to be removed before consumption. It is legend that the coyote will brush the fruits extensively with us tail before digging in! Here is the link to my iNaturalist observation : http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/4147370
