How to Identify and Classify Prickly Pears
  • 1. What is the primary defining characteristic of a Prickly Pear cactus?
A) Presence of glochids
B) Bright flowers
C) Single, cylindrical stem
D) Large size
  • 2. Glochids are best described as:
A) Sticky sap
B) Large, sharp spines
C) Soft, fuzzy hairs
D) Small, barbed bristles
  • 3. The pads of a Prickly Pear are technically modified:
A) Roots
B) Leaves
C) Stems
D) Flowers
  • 4. What is the typical shape of Prickly Pear pads?
A) Round
B) Oval or oblong
C) Triangular
D) Cylindrical
  • 5. What is the term for the fruit produced by a Prickly Pear?
A) Capsule
B) Pod
C) Tuna
D) Berry
  • 6. What color are the flowers of many common Prickly Pear species?
A) Yellow
B) Blue
C) Purple
D) White
  • 7. Which feature is MOST helpful in differentiating Prickly Pear species?
A) Pad size
B) Fruit taste
C) Spine arrangement and number
D) Flower color
  • 8. What is the common name for *Opuntia ficus-indica*?
A) Indian Fig Opuntia
B) Saguaro Cactus
C) Beavertail Cactus
D) Cholla Cactus
  • 9. Which type of habitat is LEAST likely to support Prickly Pear growth?
A) Desert
B) Swamp
C) Grassland
D) Arid Scrubland
  • 10. What is the primary purpose of spines on a Prickly Pear?
A) Defense against herbivores
B) Attracting pollinators
C) Aiding in water absorption
D) Providing structural support
  • 11. The areoles on a Prickly Pear pad are the structures from which...
A) Only flowers emerge
B) Only glochids emerge
C) Spines, glochids, and flowers emerge
D) Only spines emerge
  • 12. Which characteristic distinguishes Beavertail Prickly Pear (*Opuntia basilaris*) from other species?
A) Cylindrical pads
B) Extremely long spines
C) Bright red flowers
D) Nearly spineless pads
  • 13. What is the general growth habit of Prickly Pears?
A) Sprawling or upright
B) Epiphytic
C) Vining
D) Submerged aquatic
  • 14. What is the significance of identifying Prickly Pear species accurately?
A) To determine if they can be used as livestock feed.
B) Understanding their ecological role and potential invasiveness.
C) To determine the price they can be sold for.
D) Because all Prickly Pears have the same medicinal benefits.
  • 15. What are the main differences between *Opuntia* and *Cylindropuntia*?
A) *Opuntia* have toxic fruit, *Cylindropuntia* have edible fruit.
B) *Opuntia* only grow in deserts, *Cylindropuntia* only grow in forests.
C) *Opuntia* have flat pads, *Cylindropuntia* have cylindrical stems.
D) *Opuntia* are always small, *Cylindropuntia* are always large.
  • 16. Which part of the Prickly Pear is commonly eaten by humans?
A) The pads and the fruit
B) The flowers
C) The spines
D) The roots
  • 17. What tool is essential for safely handling Prickly Pear pads?
A) A watering can
B) A shovel
C) Tongs or thick gloves
D) A magnifying glass
  • 18. What type of soil do Prickly Pears typically prefer?
A) Clay soil
B) Well-draining soil
C) Rich, loamy soil
D) Soggy soil
  • 19. What is the main function of the thick, waxy coating on Prickly Pear pads?
A) Protection from insects
B) Attracting pollinators
C) Reflecting sunlight
D) Water conservation
  • 20. What is one method of propagating Prickly Pears?
A) Air layering
B) Pad cuttings
C) Root division
D) Leaf cuttings
  • 21. Which of these characteristics helps distinguish Engelmann's Prickly Pear?
A) Long, curved spines
B) Hair-like spines
C) Small, round pads
D) Blue-green pads
  • 22. How does the fruit color typically change as it ripens?
A) Yellow to brown
B) Green to red or purple
C) White to black
D) Red to green
  • 23. What is a key difference between juvenile and mature Prickly Pear plants?
A) Root structure
B) Flower color
C) Glochid absence/presence
D) Spine density and pad size
  • 24. Where are glochids located on the Prickly Pear?
A) On the roots
B) In areoles
C) On the fruit
D) On spines
  • 25. What is a common use of Prickly Pear pads in Mexican cuisine?
A) Pickled roots
B) Nopales (cooked pads)
C) Spine tea
D) Fried flowers
  • 26. Which animal commonly disperses Prickly Pear seeds?
A) Ants
B) Birds
C) Bees
D) Snakes
  • 27. What is the term for a cluster of spines arising from a single areole?
A) Spine array
B) Spine cluster
C) Spine ring
D) Spine bundle
  • 28. What should you do if you get glochids in your skin?
A) Rub the area vigorously.
B) Apply water immediately.
C) Ignore them, they will fall out.
D) Use tape or tweezers to remove them.
  • 29. What is a potential ecological consequence of Prickly Pear introduction to new areas?
A) Invasive species outcompeting native plants.
B) Increased soil fertility.
C) Enhanced biodiversity.
D) Reduced wildfire risk.
  • 30. What is the best time of year to observe Prickly Pear flowers for identification purposes?
A) Any time of year
B) Late fall
C) Spring and early summer
D) Winter
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