An unusual and eye-catching cactus with lush, glossy green leaves—Pereskia aculeata blurs the line between cactus and climbing shrub. Unlike desert cacti, this vigorous species produces true foliage on arching, thorny stems, giving it a tropical, leafy appearance. Small, creamy-white, lightly fragrant flowers appear in warm conditions and may be followed by edible yellow to orange fruits, often called Barbados gooseberries.