Botanical name: Optunia Prickly pear cactus is a source of food, water and medicine. Its flowers bloom in shades of yellow, red or purple – giving way to a delicious pear fruit. It represents about a dozen species of the Opuntia genus in the North American deserts. Chollas are also members of the Opuntia genus […]
Earth Wisdom: Prickly Pear Cactus
Botanical name: Optunia
Prickly pear cactus is a source of food, water and medicine. Its flowers bloom in shades of yellow, red or purple – giving way to a delicious pear fruit. It represents about a dozen species of the Opuntia genus in the North American deserts. Chollas are also members of the Opuntia genus but have cylindrical, jointed stems rather than flat, plump pads like the prickly pear.
As a flower essence, prickly pear’s power lies in adaptability, connecting to the inner calm through surrendering to what is and accessing the strength that comes when one follows the flow of life, the heartbeat of the Earth. It teaches us to open to our authentic self by clearing emotions that are blocking our empowerment.
Image by Maggie Harrsen, Sundown, 2013.
See more beautiful offerings by Maggie at Puakai Healing. xx
