The prickly pear cactus was designated the official plant symbol of Texas in 1995. Found in the deserts of the American southwest, the fruits of most prickly pear cacti are edible, and have been a source of food to native Americans for thousands of years. Cacti in general (and the fruits in particular) are still staple foods for some residents of Mexico and Latin America and the prickly pear cactus is raised commercially. The fruit is sold under the name "Tuna"; the branches or pads are eaten as a vegetable, called "nopalito" or "nopales."

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Prickly Pear Cactus: Botany Global Issues
About Deserts: The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Cacti of the El Paso Texas Region: photos by Clark Champie
Endangered Plants in Texas: Texas Parks & Wildlife
Prickly Pear Cactus: RAIN, Public Internet Broadcasting
State Flowers & Plants - 50 States List