Commonly called the Mexican Indian fig for its fist-sized red-to-purple fruits, this cactus plant is now common to Southern California and is found in a variety of settings associated with its Mexican roots. Symbolizing the ancient Aztec vision of the founding of México on an island in Lake Texcoco, this tree-cactus is one of the key elements featured on the flag of modern day México. Originally brought to California by the Franciscans to support life at the missions, the various related species can now be found at sites such as the region's historic ranchos or in backyards of immigrant families of Mexican ancestry. Its fruits and paddle-shaped leaves can be bought at local supermarkets. Opuntia ficus-indica has also hybridized with local native Opuntia species, creating new cactus varieties upon the landscape.

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