Where does the name Prickly Pear cactus come from?

The prickly pear cactus [Opuntia spp] originated in North America. Its native environment runs from central and western Mexico, northward through the United States of America, and into Canada. In the United States, its native range includes the desert southwest, the dry northwest, the drier low elevations of the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains. In Canada, the prickly pear cactus is found only in the province of Ontario, at Point Pelee National Park and on the southern tip of Pelee Island.

Additionally, the cactus is perceived as forming western populations, as identified above; and eastern populations, which include the Canadian locations, also identified above. In addition to southwestern Ontario, the eastern prickly pear population includes the eastern United States, from Wisconsin eastwards through New England, and southwards down through Texas and Florida.