64. CACTUS FRUITCactus Family
Opuntia engelmannii
The fruit of the Engelmann Pricklypear Cactus is similar to the fruits of many other species of cacti; it is conspicuous, being deep red in color and about the size of a large Crab Apple. It is called Tuna or locally “Cactus Apple” and ripens as early as June but more abundantly during July.
Indians of the Southwest use this fruit as an important item of their diet. Many people living in the desert have come to learn that this cactus fruit makes excellent jellies and candies. It is also feasted upon by several rodents, especially the Antelope Ground Squirrel.
Cactus Fruit
65. ROUNDLEAF BUFFALOBERRYOleaster Family
Shepherdia rotundifolia
A low, evergreen shrub with small, oval leaves that appear to have been painted with a thin coat of aluminum paint through which the green shows faintly. It is most common in the Upper Sonoran Zone and may be found along the Canyon Overlook and Emerald Pool Trails in Zion National Park.
The pale-yellow flowers, not much over ¼ inch across, are often hidden by the leaves. They bloom early in April or sometimes in March. The fruit of a similar shrub has a tart berry that was gathered by the early pioneers and used as a sauce on Buffalo steaks, hence the name Buffaloberry.
Roundleaf Buffaloberry