Prickly Pear Cactus: This is a plant species which is found in the North American desert.

It has proved to have some medicinal components in it and hence it is used for making herbal medicine. It is hard to describe this plant as a vegetable, fruit or flower because of its nature. This plant can also function as food. In fact, it is the staple food for the people living in the southwest part of United States and other parts of the world as well.

This plant has been used traditionally for healing over 100 ailments. It has been proved to have an antiviral property and can be used in treating influenza and mumps. It is being used to find the cure for HIV. Prickly pear cactus can treat gastrointestinal disorders and obesity together with some skin ailments.

The plant is available during all seasons. The fruit produces juice that can be used to make jam and vinegarettes for salads.

This plant can help in reduction of diabetic problems and prevent cancer. In terms of cholesterol level reduction, it has proved to be very effective. This is one of the rare plants that can be used as food and has medicinal value in it.