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Mojave Prickly Pear
Opuntia phaeacantha

The delicious fruits of this cactus, called tunas, are mahogany in color and are enjoyed by humans as well as a variety of wildlife. When handling the fruits beware that they are covered with small spines that can embed in your hands. Singe the spines over an open flame, peal them under water, or even better, use a pair of thongs. Synonyms: Opuntia dulcis, Opuntia engelmannii cycloides, Opuntia mojavensis, Opuntia phaeacantha mojavensis.

  • Plant type: Cactus, Native
  • Maintenance level: Low
  • Water requirement: Low
  • Sun exposure: Full
  • Height range: 1–5 Feet
  • Width range: 4–8 Feet
  • Canopy value: 28 ft²
  • Growth rate: Medium
  • Flower color: Orange, Yellow, Pink
  • Flower season: Spring
  • Fruit color: Red, Purple
  • Fruit season: Summer
  • Design style: Thorns/Spines
  • Hardiness cold tolerance: 0 °F
  • Soil preference: Sand, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry
  • Native location: Mojave Desert
  • PH preference: Alkaline/Basic
  • Sunset zones: 10, 11, 12, 13
  • USDA hardiness zone: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

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