This is an interesting accessory set because it provides a kind of vegetation widespread in Central America and in the Mediterranean area. Personally I remember to have seen one such flourishing plant near Leghorn, in Italy, just to mention the latitude. It can be reminded that Indian figs (cactus) appear in the Mexican flag, together with the eagle and the snake; and also that there was a Texas ”Cactus” Division in the U.S. Army of the First World War.

Opuntia Ficus Indica is the scientific name of Indian figs, where ”Indian” refers to the West Indies (or America); they were taken to Europe after Columbus’ travels, like other useful vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, etc.). Prickly-pears (or cactus-pears in California), as Indian figs are also called, are very resistant and not water-demanding, an useful attitude in hot climates; they can be eaten both in the fresh and dried form, once carefully cleaned of the thorns.