Galapagos Cactus

In the dry inland portions of the Galapagos Islands the most common plant is the Cactus. These succulents, able to store water in their stems and leaves, thrive in hostile climates and during times of drought. Most cacti have spines, which have evolved from leaves. The spines are a fundamental part of the Cacti, used to guard against grazing animals making the plant difficult to chew, offer shade keeping the internal temperature of the plant down, and it channels any rainwater towards the base of the plant. The waxy coating that covers the skin of the cactus known as the glaucus bloom reduces evaporation by the plant by holding in moisture. Leaf like stems known as pads store and conserve moisture and works as photosynthetic organs for the cacti.

Endemic cacti in the Galapagos include the Lava Cactus, Candelabra Cactus, and the species of Opuntia (Prickly Pear) found in the Galapagos.

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Cactaceae)

Prickly Pear Cactus is the common name for plants of the cactus family. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, Baja California and the Sonora Desert region of Mexico these plants have spread out throughout the world's tropical regions.

An endemic cacti it is also the most common cacti in the islands. With its yellow flowers it grows like a shrub, except on islands where herbivores are a threat then trunks can grow to 5 ft tall. The Prickly Pear Cactus is the staple of the Land Iguanas & Tortoises' diet. Their flat jointed stems covered with small stiff hairs and spines identify the cacti. The yellow flowers develop into an orange-red thorn covered fruit.

Prickly Pear have developed into 14 separate types ranging from the Opuntia Echios variation Gigantea which grows to 40 ft. (12 m) in height to the Opuntia Echios variation Barringtonensis found on Santa Cruz whose truck measures 4 ft. (1.25 m) in diameter.