Scientific Name:  Opuntia basilaris

?Native cactus

?Flowers are pink to magenta

?Pack rats feed on seeds

?Ants will swarm around nectar from newly formed pads or flower buds and prey upon insects that may get caught in the nectar

?Native Americans use fruits and pads for food

?Seeds are dispersed by birds, wind and rain

?Pads resemble a beaver?s tail

?Pads will break off easily and root in soil forming new plants

?Grows in clumps up to 2? high

Photo: To be added.

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