A proud member of the Cactus species, the Prickly Pears

Locally referred to as ‘Bajtar tax-xewk’, the resilient Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is often found majestically dominating various areas and fields all across the Maltese Islands. A proud member of the Cactus species, the Prickly Pears grow with large flat playclades, which in the height of summer produce a fruit at the end of their tip. The succulent fruit comes in various different colours and is best consumed when it is well ripened.