I really need to find time to write more about this prickly pear cactus found all over Texas. Early Spanish explorers thought this particular plant was going to revolutionize the world with it’s various uses for human consumption and the die that could be made from it’s fruit. Texas A&M has a great write up on it here.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/opuntiaengelman.htm
Furthermore, a great article on it’s historic uses in Texas can be found here: http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/st-plains/nature/images/prickly.html