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The Opuntia cactus, also known as the 'prickly pear', is very common on La Palma. The main varieties are found along the roadside and produce yellow or orange flowers followed by red(ish) edible fruit. They are commonly collected, the spines brushed off and then placed in the fridge to cool down. When eaten in this way they are refreshing and juicy. They contain quite a number of pips.
The 'leaves' of the opuntia are sometimes used to feed goats.
There are a large number of other varieties of Opuntia which have more (of less) prickles, smaller leaves and smaller flowers and fruit. |
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This variety of Opuntia cactus is very common on the island. The flowesr are mainly yellow or orange and the edible fruit is usually reddish in colour. In this case the vivid colour is enhanced by the light of the setting sun. |
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Flowering cactus. |
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Some people just cannot resist |
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A Variety of Opuntia with yellow-orange coloured fruit. |
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