This listing is for fresh pads sold by the pound. Buy more and save! Turtles, tortoise, iguana, and other pets LOVE this superfood. It is high in calcium and fiber and low in fat. It can be kept several weeks in the refrigerator once sliced. The pads can also be placed in dirt to root and keep fresh until ready. You get a houseplant and pet food! The pads (tuna) and fruit (nopal) are edible and there are many different preparation options. It has medicinal uses as well. Prickly pear cactus is promoted for treating diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. It is also known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Prickly Pear (Opuntia cochenillifera) is a beautiful and hardy cactus. Outdoor hardy from zones 4 -10. It will produce an edible reddish pink fruit, even the pads are edible if they are peeled. These pads can be eaten or rooted and planted. These do not have spines but rather the new growth has fine hairs. Prickly Pear Cactus is normally quite a low maintenance plant and is normally very easy to grow - great for beginner gardeners! **Shipping** I combine shipping. Please check out my other listings! To combine shipping please add items to your cart and do one single checkout. Please request an invoice for orders over 3+ items as the shipping rates tend to become exaggerated and I will adjust them for you. I can fit multiple items into one flat rate box to save $$. Happy planting! Shipping is done early in the week to avoid long exposures over the weekend. Every now and then things do happen at the Post Office during shipping which can leave your plant damaged beyond saving. All I ask is for a picture of the DOA plant and I will replace the item. Normal shipping wear should be expected – a leaf may fall off or soil can be disrupted. However, it’s getting cold out there. Most plants do hold up fine during shipping but if you would like to add a heat pack they are listed for $2.00. I will not replace for cold damage if you choose not to purchase the heat pack. Most importantly -- I appreciate my buyers!!! Please contact me with any plant concerns or questions before leaving feedback. I am here to help. :)