Beavertail Cactus seeds (Opuntia Basilaris) -10 seeds-

These were gathered wild in the Mojave desert. the abundant rainfall this year produced lots of mature seeds, unlike years past. These striking magenta flowers are sure to lighten up any garden.

 

Beavertail is a cactus species found throughout the southwest U.S. This species of Opuntia grows mostly in the western Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. Beavertail can grow close to the ground, however this cactus also extends up to 60 cm tall. a relative of the prickly pear cactus

 

The plant consists of a collection of fleshy, flat pads, which can range from green to blue-grey in color. These pads are spineless, although they are covered with small barbed hair-like bristles, referred to as glochids. If you brush up against these pads, these glochids can tear into your skin. 

 

From early spring to early summer, beavertail cactus produce flowers that range in color from deep red to pink to a striking magenta  

The Cahuilla people of southern California enjoyed eating the young tender fruits that emerged from these pink showy flowers. Generally, the Cahuilla gathered these fruits between March and June. Fortunately, this cactus species is abundant, so the plant provided lots of food. This was a favorite food item for the Cahuilla. 

The natives used the pulp of the cactus as a pain reliver, as a topical to rub on wounds, also edible too