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Prickly Pear, otherwise called Indian fig, is a fleshy and succulent plant, destitute of leaves, covered with clusters of spines, and consisting of flattened joints inserted upon each other. The fruit is purplish in color, covered with fine prickles, and edible. The flower is large and yellow. It is a native of the sub-tropical and warm temperate parts of America, whence it has been introduced into Europe, Mauritius, Arabia, Syria, and China. It is easily propagated, and in some countries is used as a hedge-plant. It attains a height of seven or eight feet.

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