The Prickly Pear, or Indian Fig.
Cactus Opuntia, Willd. Sp. Pl. vol. ii. p. 943. Pursh, Fl. Amer. p. 323.—Icosandria Monogynia, Linn. Cacti, Juss.
This species has an articulated fleshy stem, with ovate, compressed joints, sparsely covered with setaceous prickles; large yellow flowers, and red, acidulous, eatable berries. It flowers in June and July, and grows in sandy fields and dry barren soil.