Opuntia macrocentra 4 millimeters in length with a broad notch on one side and prominent ridge. Because of its striking stem and bloom color the "Opuntia macrocentra" cactus is cultivated as an ornamental plant for drought tolerant and native plant gardens, and as a potted plant. Like many other cacti in the "Opuntia" genus, the fruit produced by "Opuntia macrocentra" is edible. Collection of this cactus, and its fruit, is restricted in some areas for conservation needs. Opuntia macrocentra Opuntia macrocentra, the long-spined purplish prickly pear or purple pricklypear, is a cactus found in the lower Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico.
Opuntia ficus-indica limit of prickly pear is above 50 °C. As the fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica are delicate, they need to be carefully harvested by hand. The small spines on the fruits are removed by rubbing them on an abrasive surface or sweeping them through grass. Before consumption, they are peeled and sliced. The pads of the plant (mainly used as fodder) also need to be harvested by hand. The pads are cut with a knife, detaching the pad from the plant in the joint. If Opuntia ficus-indica is cultivated for forage production, spineless cultivars are preferred. However, also wild types of