Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia chlorotica)
Interactions
There are many different organisms that interact with this cactus. For example many use cacti for shelter from the harsh enviroment. Cacti in the desert are also used for water and food for desert animals. The fruit of the Prickly Pear Cactus is eaten by humans as well, and is often found in Mexican marketplaces.
Pollinators also interact with this cactus. These pollinators are
organisms that feed off of the nectar of the flowers, and by feeding
from different plants spread the pollen grains to fertilize other seeds.
Besides large bees, this plant is also fertilized by
bats such as the lesser long-nosed bat.