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