Beavertail Cactus
Opuntia basilaris
Coachella Valley, California and Joshua Tree National Park
The evenly-spaced spots on the leaf pads are tubercles packed with a cluster of microscopic barbed and bristled glochids.  This is the plant's defense against animals that may want to eat it.  The Cahuilla native americans steamed the buds of new leaf pads for food and used the pulp from old pads for dressing wounds.
© 2017 - 2023 by Sue Birnbaum.  Photos on this website are the sole property of Sue Birnbaum unless otherwise indicated.  Please receive permission before publishing my trip reports and photos.
I try my best to be accurate with my hike descriptions; please research your adventures, always bring a map and compass and know how to read them, be prepared!  All of these hikes can be dangerous; hike at your own risk.  ALWAYS carry the Ten Essentials with you on hikes. 
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