Opuntia in shallow, loose soils, such as on mountain slopes. "Opuntia" spreads into large clonal colonies, which contribute to its being considered a noxious weed in some places. Animals that eat "Opuntia" include the prickly pear island snail and "Cyclura" rock iguanas. The fruit are relished by many arid land animals, chiefly birds, which thus help distribute the seeds. "Opuntia" pathogens include the sac fungus "Colletotrichum coccodes" and Sammons' Opuntia virus. The ant "Crematogaster opuntiae" and the spider "Theridion opuntia" are named because of their association with prickly pear cacti. Like most true cactus species, prickly pears are native only to
Opuntia (seedless) cultivars are also available. In Mexico, prickly pears are often used to make appetizers, soups, and salads through entrees, vegetable dishes, and breads to desserts, beverages, candy, jelly, or drinks. The young stem segments, usually called "nopales", are also edible in most species of "Opuntia". They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine in dishes such as "huevos con nopales" (eggs with nopal), or "tacos de nopales". "Nopales" are also an important ingredient in New Mexican cuisine. "Opuntia ficus-indica" has been introduced to Europe, and flourishes in areas with a suitable climate, such as the south of France and southern