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1/19/12

Beware The Spine Of Prickly Pear

It's deceptive and bears fruit and flowers...

Be aware of things in your surroundings that seem hostile but underneath the barbed exterior may serve as protection.

The prickly pear cactus with its paddle shaped pads that are actually branches and stems modified for desert living seems foreboding but has purpose as do most living things. Woe to that animal or human who disregards its self protection mechanism of spines. Like most plants and animals those spines are the products of a long history of adapting to its environment and serving as a defense against hostile forces.


This plant has functional purposes though within it to maintain itself but also is deceptively productive and serves several objectives. Although it looks unlikely it bears a fruit that is edible as well as the pad branches are a source of food. Acting as a host within its domain for other plants it serves as a fortress protecting them. It also is a water storage cistern to be used as a source for hydration as well as bears beautiful rose like flowers that enlighten the environment around it once a year. Pay attention and be aware of things in your surroundings that seem hostile but underneath the barbed exterior may serve as protection and as a source of ingenious resources.