Glochidium

Glochidium

With the term glochidium, in botany, we mean small and thin hairs, completely similar to thorns, present in some plants, especially in some Cactaceae.
Glochidium are mostly present in the genus Opuntia, where they are grouped into different groups of 6-12 elements. This is the case of the glochids present in the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., 1768).
Glochidium regularly cover every part of the plant. these organs play the role of defending the plant from herbivore predation. In fact, being easily detachable, they penetrate the skin causing annoying irritation.
The glochidium, in case of accidental contact, detach very easily from the plant and penetrate the skin, causing irritation. They can also be dangerous for the eyes especially in the presence of very windy days which contribute to the detachment of these small organs.