Mexico can be rightfully called the World of Cacti - there are about 1,400 species of cacti in the world, of which 669 are found in Mexico with 518 widespread around the whole country.
The prickly pear cactus is such a powerful symbol in Mexico that they put it smack in the middle of the national flag. It was considered sacred by the ancient Aztecs, and modern-day Mexicans eat it, drink it, and even use it in medicines and shampoos.