The prickly pear has been part of our landscape for over 250 years and many of us have relished its tasty fruits. However, who would have thought that this controversial plant has such a fascinating history and such a variety of uses for such a diverse group of South Africans.

The authors have produced a well-researched, entertaining and thought-provoking account of this plant in the Eastern Cape from its introduction in 1750. This book will appeal to the general public, farmers and environmentalists as well as to extension officers, conservationists and municipal officials, not to mention researchers and academics. Facts are supported with anecdotes, some quite amusing, from interviews with a wide range of commercial farmers, scientists and users. You will be entertained by this story in which the main protagonist is both a hero and a villain. Each of the nine chapters is accompanied by illustrations, photographs and text boxes.’’