There are thousands of prickly pear cactus plants in our area of Tucson, but this is the first truly red one I have come across. Most are yellow to salmon in color.
Thanks for the comments and compliments. I just don't know enough about the varieties of prickly pear other than to know there are a lot. Some folks consider them weeds here.
I do know that most of them I see growing wild in the desert vary from bright yellow to salmon, but this one was planted in the cactus garden of a dude ranch, so is probably a different variety.
Cactuspic...just about everything in the desert is in bloom. I have been going crazy taking photos of cactus flowers every time I walk out the door with the camera. I will post a few more when I get home.
Doug...not to worry, I got one, and I know where there are plenty more:D
Mike...see above
Ken...I am sure you have seen them, but maybe not in bloom. They are pretty common all over the western part of the country.