Melbourne , Victoria, Australia — Oceania
A prickly problem
| | Royal Botanic Gardens - Melbourne | |
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, March 30, 2026
1. A prickly problem Marker
A prickly problem
One Opuntia species you Won't find in this garden is Opuntia stricta, also called Prickly Pear.
Native to the subtropical and tropical coast of the Americas, the British brought this prickly pear species to Australia in 1788 with the First Fleet. But it wasn't the plant that was of value; it was the cochineal bugs that lived on it. When crushed, cochineal bugs produce a crimson dye - the colour needed to dye the soldiers' red coats.
With no natural predators, the prickly pear became a pest, ultimately invading vast tracts of land, a total area about the size of the UK.
In 1925 a biological control was released - a moth, Cactoblastis cactorum (also native to South America). Within five years the moth larvae had nibbled the prickly problem away and this invasive species was all but eliminated.
And that's why cactus in Australian slang means beaten, broken, ruined, finished or kaput!
Cochineal is still used as a dye- in food and in makeup!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Horticulture & Forestry • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1788.
Location. 37° 49.924′ S,
this page online
Regionally, it is in Oceania, Australasia, the Pacific Ocean, South Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Field Collection (a few steps from this marker); The Blossfeld Expedition (a few steps from this marker); Design Inspiration (a few steps from this marker); The Arid Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); A new view of Melbourne (within shouting distance of this marker); Resurrecting a volcano - Guilfoyle's Volcano (within shouting distance of this marker); A Grand Design (within shouting distance of this marker); Domain Road Gate (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.
Also see . . . Prickly Pear Eradication.
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, March 30, 2026
2. A prickly problem Marker in the Arid Garden
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
