It is an arborescent succulent plant that can reach 4-5 meters in height. The stem is made up of cladodes, commonly called shovels. These are modified stems, flattened and oval-shaped, 30 to 40 cm long, 15 to 25 cm wide and 1,5-3,0 cm thick, which, joining together form branches.

The cladodes (or shovels) make up the stem and group together forming branches. They are covered with a waxy film that protects the plant from excessive heat, preventing transpiration and protecting it from a possible attack by predators. After four years of development, the cladodes undergo a lignification, forming a real trunk. Even opuntia, like all cacti, delegates the chlorophyll function to the stem and not to the leaves; these are very small and are found only in young blades. The areoles, at the base of the leaves, develop into thorns or particular roots called glochids, or into flowers.

The fruit of the prickly pear is particularly rich in water, and therefore a moisturizing fruit. In 100 grams, 83 grams are made up of water. The calories, on the other hand, are 53 per 100g and sugars 13%. Thanks to the high water content, the prickly pear has thirst-quenching, diuretic and purifying properties. For these reasons it is often recommended by specialists to expel kidney stones. Prickly pears contain two particular types of dietary fiber, pectin and xylose, which make them suitable for inclusion in the diet of diabetics.