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 ficus-indica the wild origin of "O. ficus-indica" is likely to have been in Mexico due to the fact that its close genetic relatives are found in central Mexico. "Opuntia ficus-indica" is polyploid, hermaphrodite and autogamous. As "Opuntia" species grow in semi-arid environments, the main limiting factor in their environment is water. They have developed a number of adaptations to dry conditions, notably succulence. The perennial shrub "Opuntia ficus-indica" can grow up to 3-5m height, with thick, succulent and oblong to spatulate stems called cladodes. It has a water-repellent and sun-reflecting waxy epidermis. Cladodes that are 1–2 years old produce flowers, the