For a long time we believed this unusual cactus was the product of a genetic deformity. We saw its parent, a huge specimen, along the side of the road near San Antonio. It looks and grows like a prickly pear cactus, but all of its ears, or leaves, are elongated and asymmetric.

Now, thanks to a 2003 virtual visitor to Cactus Hill, we know its name. This is called "cow's tongue"—an apt name to be sure. Cow's tongue cactus fruit is eaten by many birds and small mammals, including coyotes. The joints are made edible for livestock by burning the spines off, and it is readily eaten in times of drought by many animals.