Little is known of the fate of those first plants, but it is believed the particular variety of prickly pear brought to Australia in the First Fleet was “smooth tree pear” (Opuntia monacantha). This type of prickly pear is still found along coastal areas of New South Wales, and is classified as a noxious weed.

Do prickly pears grow in Australia?

They’re not native to Australia, but they do thrive in our arid climate. 27 varieties are listed as prohibited invasive plants in some states, including Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Prickly pear is described as particularly destructive in the wild.

Where can prickly pears be found?

The prickly pears are considered an old group within the cactus family with about 150 species in Opuntia. It has the largest range of any cactus in the United States and can be found from New Mexico and Montana east to Florida and Massachusetts. It is also found in Ontario.

Are prickly pear native to Australia?

THE entry of the prickly–pear into Australia dates from about 1787, when the species Opuntia monacantha was introduced from Bio de Janeiro. Some twenty–five other species of Opuntia have found their way into Australia, but their origins cannot be traced.

Where was the prickly pear first introduced to Australia?

The first recorded introduction of prickly pear was attributed to Governor Phillip at Port Jackson in 1788. It is thought that the shipment comprised drooping tree pear (Opuntia monacantha) and possibly one or two other species.

Is growing prickly pear illegal in Australia?

Prohibited. This is a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. The Act requires that all sightings to be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.

Are there cacti in Australia?

Species are found in all Australian states and territories and there is potential for further spread. Australian rangelands are especially vulnerable to cacti invasion. The cost of control often exceeds the value of land infested. All cacti are exotic to Australia.

Why was prickly pear a problem in Australia?

Prickly pears (Genus Opuntia) include a number of plant species that were introduced and have become invasive in Australia. Prickly pears (mostly Opuntia stricta) were imported into Australia in the 19th century for use as a natural agricultural fence and in an attempt to establish a cochineal dye industry.

Why is prickly pear fruit called tuna?

Prickly pear gets its name from numerous sharp spines borne on the stems, and the seasonal fruits known as pears or tunas. The long, sharp spines (the prickly part of the name) are actually modified leaves that harden as they age.

Where are Opuntia native to?

Opuntia chlorotica is a species of plant in the Cactaceae family. It is a species of prickly pear native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

What cactus are illegal in Australia?

Dozens of plants are prohibited from being sold in NSW, including several cactus species such as Aaron’s beard prickly pear, blind or bunny ears cactus and boxing glove cactus. Those caught selling the plants could be hit with a $1,000 fine or up to $220,000 for businesses found in breach of the Biosecurity Act.

How did Australia fight prickly pear cactus?

The most successful method of eradicating the prickly pear was introduced in 1926 with the release of the cactoblastis moth in Australia. Nine million eggs were placed onto the leaves of plants during the summer of 1926-27 and the caterpillars fed on the prickly pear.

Can you eat Australian prickly pear?

So if you are in Australia and see a cactus growing as a weed that looks like Prickly Pear, it most likely is. Apparently the fruit of all Opuntia are edible and the nopales of ‘most’ Opuntia are edible, so stick with the fruit if you are uncertain.

Why is prickly pear bad?

It is also made into juice and jams. If you’d like to try prickly pear cactus, consider easing into it. Side effects for some people include mild diarrhea, nausea, increased stool volume, increased stool frequency and abdominal fullness. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.