Darkman,
That description sounds like Opuntia humifusa, it grows wild in FL. It has good nematode resistance and tolerant of the soil/water conditions. Would be good pick for a rootstock, grafting Opuntia ficus-indica on it.
Btw, Darkman I can share some future pads with you that should perform in a zone 8B. Like Opuntia ficus-indica PARL 253,
PARL 253 - Opuntia ficus-indica - TAMUK# 1313 - Chile.