<P> Prickly pears ( mostly Opuntia stricta ) were imported into Australia in the 19th century for use as a natural agricultural fence and in an attempt to establish a cochineal dye industry . Many of these , especially the Tiger Pear , quickly became widespread invasive species , rendering 40,000 km ( 15,000 sq mi ) of farming land unproductive . The moth Cactoblastis cactorum from South America , whose larvae eat prickly pear , was introduced in 1925 and almost wiped out the population . This case is often cited as an example of successful biological pest control . In the early days it was used as a clothing dye . </P>
<P> Prickly pears ( mostly Opuntia stricta ) were imported into Australia in the 19th century for use as a natural agricultural fence and in an attempt to establish a cochineal dye industry . Many of these , especially the Tiger Pear , quickly became widespread invasive species , rendering 40,000 km ( 15,000 sq mi ) of farming land unproductive . The moth Cactoblastis cactorum from South America , whose larvae eat prickly pear , was introduced in 1925 and almost wiped out the population . This case is often cited as an example of successful biological pest control . In the early days it was used as a clothing dye . </P>
when did the prickly pear come to australia
when did the prickly pear come to australia
the 19th century
the 19th century