- The prickly pear cactus, also known as Opuntia, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae - Prickly pear cacti are known for their showy flowers and flavorful fruit - They have flat, fleshy pads covered in spiky spines, showy yellow flowers that only bloom for one day, and red, egg-shaped fruit that can be eaten raw after removing the skin - The fruit has a sweet, but somewhat bland flavor, similar to a melon ... the fruit is often made into jellies, candies, and other sweets I see you!! Feed me!!