Opuntia robusta Opuntia robusta Opuntia robusta, the wheel cactus, nopal tapon, or camuesa, is a species of cactus in the Cactaceae family. It is native and endemic to central and northern Mexico to within 100 miles of the Arizona and New Mexico borders where it grow from 5,000 to 10,000 feet on rocky slopes, open shrub lands, woodlands and mixed with other cactus and succulents. Plants are commonly around high, though they may grow to over high when supported. The flattened stem segments are fleshy, round and blue-grey in colour. These are up to in diameter and have sharp spines up 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