Texas Prickley- Pear Cactus, (Opuntia lindheimeri)

I love the cactus of Texas. We only have the Prickley Pear in our "neck of the woods", but they are most worthy of recognition for their beauty.

I have bright yellow in my garden, but today I found this beauty with the red center in the woods. After blooms drop off, pods form and turn deep rose in color. These are called pods and the Indians named them Indian Figs as they are sweet to the taste.

The blooms are so beautiful and colorful, but only last for a day and then wilt away. The pods, when ripened have been used to make jellies.

"My fruit is better than gold; and my revenue than choice silver."
Proverbs 8:19