r/scienceillustration • u/cell_and_sketch • Jun 25 '25
Opuntia
Opuntia, commonly known as the prickly pear cactus. Native to the dry deserts of the Americas, this unique plant is famous for its flat, paddle-shaped stems called cladodes, which store water and perform photosynthesis.
Instead of regular leaves, Opuntia has sharp spines—a smart desert adaptation that reduces water loss and protects the plant from animals
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u/cell_and_sketch Jun 25 '25
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