It is an opuntia, but not the standard prickly pear with the edible fruits. It looks like one I have (also a "rescue") which I think is nopalea (or Opuntia) cochenillifera. Very interesting cactus, grows very fast. I'd let it sit for a few days or so, before planting. Mine prefer a shadier spot, one I had in full sun next to a south-facing wall burned.

I

Leslie is right. I saw these in Florida as well, in fact, I have some cuttings growing outside in a pot. I do think the fruit is quite edible, though it is not from Opuntia ficus-indica, which is the one grown commercially for the fruit. The cactus pads can be peeled and eaten cooked or raw as well, as they do in Mexico, known as nopales.

Christopher

Thanks! I'll still have fun growing them even if I don't get some fruit.