Opuntia Basilaris is the Botanical name for Beavertail Prickly Pear, a Cactus endemic to the biome near Skull Rock in the Little San Bernardino Mountains. This low profile plant grows in pad like segments, generally not taller than a foot or two, and tends spread across the ground. Healthy pads will swell when precipitation occurs, and in the Mojave Desert this is usually be relegated to Winter and occasional breif Monsoon periods in warmer months. These extreme conditions often cause the average O. Basilaris to appear gnarled and withered for much of the year. Thriving specimens will sprout new growths from the top or sides of existing segments.
Pad like growth segments are a trait shared by all opuntia Species. Another characteristic found among the Genus is the presence of tiny spines, sometimes so small they are difficult to make visually without very careful examination. These Miniscule needle like protrusions are called Glochids and can dislodge easily, sticking into clothing or skin. They can even become airborne during especially intense windstorms. Glochids can be a challenge to remove, with dilligent efforts still leaving a few embedded stickers.
In spite of its small stature, this plant is widely known among casual and professional plant enthusiasts. Part of its reach seems attributed to a wide natural range. Another appealing quality comes from gorgeous purple to pink flowers, with dense thickets being a staggering sight. The fruits follow flowers, are a similar color to the pads, and taste sweet when ripe. Native cultures would remove Glochids from fruits by rolling in dirt and eat the juicy flesh once safely freed from spines. Pads were also cleaned, consumed, or placed direcly on wounds as a traditiinal treatment.
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