Is opuntia a mesophytes

Opuntia, commonly known as prickly pear cactus, is not classified as a mesophyte; it is considered a xerophyte. Xerophytes are plants adapted to survive in arid conditions, and Opuntia has specialized features such as water-storing tissues and modified leaves (spines) that minimize water loss. These adaptations allow it to thrive in dry environments where mesophytes, which prefer moderate water availability, would struggle to survive.