Is the pricly pear cactus an annual or perennial?

The prickly pear cactus is perennial, meaning that it lives for more than two years. It is a member of the cactus family and is native to the Americas. Prickly pear cacti are typically low-growing, with some species growing to heights of 20 feet or more. They have thick, fleshy stems that are covered in spines. The spines can be short or long, and they can be smooth or barbed. Prickly pear cacti also have flowers that can be various colours, including red, yellow, and purple. The flowers are followed by fruit, called prickly pears, which are edible and can be used in a variety of dishes.