What are the microscopic defensive structures on cactus fruit called?
Answer
Glochids
The text explicitly names the primary immediate danger associated with consuming prickly pear fruit or nopal pads as the glochids. These are described not as large, visible spines, but as clusters of tiny, hair-like barbs that are prone to easy detachment upon minimal contact, often remaining overlooked even after initial cleaning attempts.
Related Questions
What are the microscopic defensive structures on cactus fruit called?What traditional method physically removes glochids before eating?What is the common outcome of overindulging in nopal pads or fruit?Which genus includes prickly pear fruit and nopal pads?What specific danger arises for diabetics consuming Opuntia species?Why is simple rinsing insufficient for preparing cactus fruit?What extra step is recommended for home preparers unsure of initial cleaning?Which structure is considered the 'real enemy of the casual consumer'?How does Nopal affect glucose management in regulated diabetics?What adverse reactions can result from confusing edible cacti with toxic ones?