There are no tortoises or land iguanas on Rábida, so the cacti can grow their leaves (nopales) down to the ground. They also have soft needles that almost feel like hair. They don't poke the skin. Islands with the iguanas and tortoises have cacti adapted to have sharp needles and no leaves close to the ground. An example of how critters and plants have adapted to the island conditions.
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