Why is Cactus Fruit Called Tuna? (Tunas in Spanish)
Prickly pear (Opuntia engelmannii. Cactaceae, Cactus family) has its name due to the numerous sharp spines that grow on the stems. And the fruits that are seasonal, are referred to as tunas or pears. The sharp, long spines actually are modified leaves that become harder as they get older. In Spanish, cactus fruit is called…