A blooming Opuntia basilaris, the beavertail cactus or beavertail pricklypear, covered with gorgeous pink flowers near a boulder stacks at Joshua Tree National Park. Native to the deserts of northwest Mexico and southwestern regions of the United States, this species has a restricted range and grows in protected areas such as Joshua Tree, reaching only up to 16” inches in height. The vibrant flowers are pink, rose or magenta-purple in colors. Known as glochids, they have multiple tiny reddish-br

Cactus fruit harvesting is a fascinating and rewarding endeavor that brings the vibrant tastes of nature right to our tables. Known for its bright colors and refreshing flavor, cactus fruit, or prickly pear, is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. During the harvest, careful attention must be paid to selecting ripe fruits while avoiding the sharp spines that protect them. The best time to harvest is in late summer or early fall when the fruits reach their peak ripeness. Once harves