Opuntia engelmannii

Native from the southwestern and south-central United States to Mexico, it is a succulent shrub. Flattened green stem pads bear clusters of spines and support broad yellow flowers with numerous stamens. The pads perform much of the plant’s photosynthesis and store water. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae, and produces edible fruits and young pads. The spines and tiny barbed bristles must be removed before eating. Photographed in Colombia.