"Desert Rose"

"ENGELMANN'S PRICKLY PEAR"
(Opuntia Engelmannii)

Prickly pear's are common and well known throughout the South West. The name prickly pear has its meaning, because their leaves look like flat pears covered with sharp needles.

During late Spring the entire rim of this heavy leaf is covered with round buds, which explode into flowers, regardless a temperature of 120 degree F. The view is overwhelming with the abundance of bright colored flowers, all perched at the edge.