Prickly pear is native to the Western Hemisphere. My uncle David Ho brought this up at his Facebook page. Anyway the prickly pear, which he also grows, is found in many countries also, including Australia. Its fruits, also known as cactus figs, can be eaten provided its spiny needles are removed. The tiny spikes if not properly removed can cause irritation to the throat and stomach. Its used to make candies, jelly, and alcoholic drinks. Some people have reported its helpful to remedy a hangover. Its medicinal properties included treatment of type II diabetes. Other uses included hair conditioner (from its sap), and as red dye (from an insect which it hosts).
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