The eastern prickly pear is a low-spreading cactus with large, round pads
The eastern prickly pear is a low-spreading cactus with large, round pads that are covered with long, sharp spines and tiny, hard-to-see barbs. Its name is inspired by its green, pear-shaped fruit that turn red as they ripen in autumn. From June to August, the eastern prickly pear is also covered with large, yellow and orangey-red flowers that are so attractive people take the cactus home to plant in their own gardens. This practice, plus habitat loss are the greatest threats to this endangered plant.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mintage 17500
Composition cupronickel
Finish specimen
Weight (g) 0.5
Diameter (mm) 35
Edge plain
Certificate serialized
Face value 25 cents
Artist Claudio D'Angelo (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)