Since the 1930s, the Sabra (prickly pear) cactus has become a national Israeli symbol.
Sabra (Tzabar in Hebrew) is a term used for a native born Israeli. Why? Its fruit are tough and prickly on the outside and sweet on the inside – like the early Zionist pioneers.
Ironically, the prickly pear is NOT native to Israel! It was brought to Israel 200 – 300 years ago, probably from Mexico to attempt to build a dye industry which would be made from aphids that live off of the prickly pear plant.
In the Galilee the plants are used more often to mark borders around property than they are used for their fruit.
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