Prickly Pear Overview
Prickly pear is an unusual sight for many visitors who expect Hawaii flowers like hibiscus, plumeria and orchids. Instead of soft petals, this plant has flat green cactus pads with sharp spines.
In Hawaiian, prickly pear is called panini, meaning “very unfriendly wall.” The name fits the plant well because its spiny pads can form a tough barrier. In dry areas, it can grow into a tree-sized cactus with a strong, rugged shape.
Cactus Pads, Fruit and Dry-Area Growth
Prickly pear has green pads, sometimes called plates, with spines sticking out from the surface. Fruit grows along the edges of the pads and may be red or yellow-green.
This cactus is better suited to dry conditions than many leafy tropical plants. Its thick pads help it handle sun and limited water, which is why it can grow in drier parts of Hawaii.
Prickly pear stands out because it shows a different side of Hawaii plant life: dryland cactus growth rather than lush rainforest foliage. Related Hawaii plant and flower pages include night-blooming cereus, pineapple, oleander and lantana.
