Do cacti have poison on their spines?
No, cacti have spines (modified leaves) that are dead and do not produce any type of toxins on their surfaces. Although, some cacti, especially prickly-pears and chollas do have microscopic spine surfaces with cells pointing outward and backward (retrorse scabrosity), like a fishhook. These spines can cause physical tissue damage when the spine is removed from the skin, causing pain and inflammation of the area. However, some other succulent plants, such as agaves (century plants) may harbor bacteria that settle on their spines which can enter and infect a person who is punctured with a spine.
