Engelmann Prickly Pear Cactus with a Green Lynx Spider
Opuntia engelmannii
Blog Post: Breakfast Ridge in Sabino Canyon near Tucson, Arizona
Javelina depend year-round on prickly-pear pads for food. The high oxalic acid content of the pads is not poisonous to the javelina because they have evolved a special kidney modification that allows them to excrete oxalic acid. They can eat the spines, too, without harm. The ripe, maroon fruits fall in August and are food for javelina, packrats and coyotes.
Source: Janice Emily Bowers - One Hundred Desert Wildflowers of the Southwest
Opuntia engelmannii
Blog Post: Breakfast Ridge in Sabino Canyon near Tucson, Arizona
Javelina depend year-round on prickly-pear pads for food. The high oxalic acid content of the pads is not poisonous to the javelina because they have evolved a special kidney modification that allows them to excrete oxalic acid. They can eat the spines, too, without harm. The ripe, maroon fruits fall in August and are food for javelina, packrats and coyotes.
Source: Janice Emily Bowers - One Hundred Desert Wildflowers of the Southwest
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah