Opuntia including antelopes, non-human primates, elephants, birds, and humans. When Carl Linnaeus published "Species Plantarum" in 1753 – the starting point for modern botanical nomenclature – he placed all the species of cactus known to him in one genus, "Cactus". In 1754, the Scottish botanist Philip Miller divided cacti into several genera, including "Opuntia". He distinguished the genus largely on the form of its flowers and fruits. There is considerable variation of taxonomy within "Opuntia" species, resulting in names being created for variants or subtypes within a species, and use of DNA sequencing to define and isolate various species. "Opuntia" hybridizes
Opuntia ficus-indica the Mediterranean basin. Under those hedges and adjacent areas soil physical properties, nitrogen and organic matter are considerably improved. Structural stability of the soil is enhanced, runoff and erosion are reduced, while water storage capacity and permeability is enhanced. Prickly pear plantations also have a positive impact on plant growth of other species by improving severe environmental conditions which facilitate colonization and development of herbaceous species. Opuntia ficus-indica is being advantageously used in Tunisia and Algeria to slow and direct sand movement and enhance the restoration of vegetative cover, minimizing deterioration of built terraces with its deep and strong rooting