How do prickly pear cactus plants survive?

Answer 1

The main way by which the prickly pear cactus [Opuntiaspp] survives is through growing low to the ground. It does so as a plant that sports prickly pads, or as one that has low branching arms. This particular growth pattern decreases the distance that drops of moisture travel from the plant's modified leaves to the ground, for intake by the plant's roots. It thereby decreases the time during which that precious moisture is exposed to the evaporation possibilities inherent in any interaction with the desert's bright, hot sunlight.

This particular growth pattern also shades the ground immediately around and below the cactus. It cools the soil. Consequently, less encouragement is given to evaporation of water that's on or close to the soil surface. So the measure is a move that conserves water.

Another important survival strategy is through growing jointed pads or branching arms. The joints may break off and fall to the ground, where they root and thereby form other prickly pear cactus plants. The result may be the formation of an entire community where once there was only one prickly pear cactus.

Still another survival trick is through growing defensive body parts. The prickly pear cactus has modified leaves in the form of barbed spines on the pads, and bristled tufts on the branching arms. Either way, the spines and the bristles discourage predators. They also direct any available moisture - be it dew, fog or rain - to the ground, for intake by the plant's roots.

Answer 2

The prickly pear cactus [Opuntia spp] may bear fruit within one or two years of planting. The fruit tends to have a harvest time of late summer to early fall. It's important to harvest and eat the fruit promptly. The fruit tends to be most flavorful when it's picked immediately upon ripening. Its colors may range from green to purple or red. The best flavors are found with the green fruit. The darker colored fruits are much less flavorful.

Answer 3

A prickly pear cactus [Opuntia spp] has a short life expectancy. Its life span tends to be no more than 20 years. That puts it in the category of short lived cactuses.

Answer 4

If you give proper care it will live for more than 100 years.

Answer 5

The prickly pear cacti usaly live to be well over 100!

Answer 6

Fast