Despite the name, the fruit is not actually a member of the pear family. It was simply named that because the prickly fruit resembles a pear in size and shape.�Prickley�pears come in a range of colors, from lime green through yellow, orange, and beet red. The colors are a natural variation, and do not indicate maturity.�The flavor of a prickley�pear is sweet, but somewhat bland, similar in flavor to a melon.