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The Sonoran Desert is alive with color! (Especially this time of year…)
The palo verde trees and prickly pear cacti grow everywhere and contribute their color, year round. Even the trunks of the palo verde are green. And the fruit of the prickly pear is a brilliant red, when it comes.
The paddles (nopales) and fruit (tuna) of the prickly pear cactus are food, here! To learn more, check out this great article by Dr. Lisa K. Harris:
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Prickly pear (cactus fruit/nopal) is a nutrient-dense, high-fiber, and antioxidant-rich "superfruit" that aids in lowering inflammation, reducing cholesterol, and managing blood sugar levels. It is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, promoting heart health and immune function while offering potential hangover relief. (healthline.com)
Cactus art: from the article. Artist unknown.
