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 The perennial shrub Opuntia ficus-indica can grow up to 3-5m height, with thick, succulent and oblong to spatulate stems called cladodes. It has a water repellent and sun reflecting waxy epidermis and thorns for leaves. Cladodes that are 1-2 years old produce flowers, the fruit’s colours ranging from pale green to deep red  Heuzé V., Tran G. (2015). Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica).Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, DIRAD, AFZ and FAO. Retrieved November 14, 2015, from http://www.feedipedia.org/node/120"