Prickly Pear From Flowers to Fruit

Prickly Pear Blooms

Back in the spring (a few months ago) the prickly pear cactus were putting out blossoms like there was no tomorrow.   It was one of the most productive years we have seen here in Tucson for wildflowers and cactus in bloom.

Now those flowers have turned to fruit and it is getting ready to drop off the pads.   I thought I better get a picture of it before they start falling like a monsoon rain.

Prickly Pear Fruit Ready for Harvest

The fruit is eaten by javalina and it can be made into jelly.   It also turns up in prickly pear martinis, a favorite with tourists and winter visitors showing around their friends from back home.

This year there is plenty of fruit for everyone.