29 Prickly Pear

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prickly_pears_in_Australia

History of introduction

The first recorded introduction of prickly pear was

attributed to Governor Phillip at Port Jackson in 1788.

It is thought that the shipment comprised drooping tree

pear (Opuntia monacantha) and possibly one or two other

species. The reason for introducing the plant was to create

a cochineal industry in the new colony. Cochineal is an

insect that feeds on certain species of cactus and from

which a scarlet dye is obtained. This dye was used to

colour the distinctive red coats of the British soldiers at

that time.

The fate of this first prickly pear plantation is not known;

however, other introductions of different species followed

and evidence suggests that plants were growing in

cultivation at Parramatta prior to 1840 and spread to

Chinchilla in Queensland by 1843.

There are still some Prickly Pear growing wild as you can see though not as prolific as years ago, as you can see there are some that have grown into big trees. Have seen new baby plants growing as well. What we have seen so far of Queensland the Prickly pear is well and truly under control and has mostly been eradicated.