Desert Prickly Pear are large, spreading cactus that grow close to the ground with heart or diamond shaped pads, often 10” long. Spines can be 1-2” long, in groups of three. These cactus have been found near archeological sites suggesting the ancient people who inhabited the canyon cultivated the cactus, possibly as a food source for their pads and fruits.
Prickly pear cactus produce edible fruits that are 2” long, egg-shaped and deep purple in color. Native people used brooms fashioned from snakeweed to brush away glochids and spines to make it easier to collect the fruits. The fruits have been used to make jelly, syrups and juices.
The Grand Canyon is as well known for its geologic significance as it is for the diversity of life with in the Park. Five of the seven major life zones are represented in the park including many endangered and endemic (found only in Grand Canyon) plant and animal species. Over 1,500 plant, 355 bird, 89 mammalian, 47 reptile, 9 amphibian, and 17 fish species are found in park.
BKC10175
Prickly Pear Bookmark - The Grand Canyon
is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
