Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly known as the Indian fig opuntia, is a species of cactus that is native to Mexico, but also widely cultivated in many other parts of the world. It is a large and branching cactus that can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall with a spread of up to 3 meters (10 feet). The stems are flat and paddle-shaped, with sharp spines and small, hair-like prickles covering the surface.