While only the Opuntia or “prickly pear” cactus is native to Sonoma county, the South American San Pedro cactus can thrive here if protected from hard frosts. They produce a show of large fragrant flowers that close by day and open at night attracting nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats. After only a day or two the flowers wilt and, if pollinated, can produce a fruit containing over 1,000 seeds.
