OPUNTIA BASILARIS

Botanical Name: Opuntia Basilaris

Common Names: Beavertail Prickly Pear

Alternate Botanical Names: n/a

Visual Characteristics: This plant one of most ubiquitously recognized Cactus species, in spite of its extra low profile. Its segments are pad like, green, acceted with shades of gray, and covered in small spines known to botany as Glochids. Environmental factors can affect their pads. Dry seasons bring wither and shrivel, while temperature can change its colors. After rainy seasons, the pads begin to swell and new growths emerge on top of existing pads. Gorgeous magenta flowers bloom in spring. 

Native To 29 Palms: Yes
Native To Adjacent Regions: Yes

Occurance In Neighborhoods: Common

Occurance In Rural Areas: Common

Use by Indigenous Cultures: Some native communities relied on Beavertail Prickly Pair as a main source of sustinance. Similar to its Cylindropuntia cousins, the unbloomed flower growths were gathered to be cooked, or cured and placed in stores for the future. The seeds were ground into meal. 

Sentiments: Sat so flat on mat of mud, Molded mounds moored from a flood, fold and peel in heat so dry, rains they wait in sky so sly.