Golden Spine Succulent

This giant leaf succulent grows up to 168 feet (51.2 meters) tall. The fan-like stem is orange-yellow, and is covered in lots of flexible gold spines. The serrated-edged, finger-like leaves are generally orange. Copious amounts of them grow from the base in a spiral pattern. The leaves are resistant, and easily come away when pulled.

It is very slow growing, taking 30 years to reach maturity. Once mature, several flowers with solid red petals and a gold central disk grow at the top, reappearing every year. The flower head is shaped like a tube with 52 tightly layered, narrow petals. It has a delicate scent that smells like baby powder.

The leaf succulent's skin is thick, the brown flesh is rubbery, and the light grey sap is thin.