Cinchona Cactus

This big leaf succulent grows up to 73 feet (22.3 meters) tall. The pleated stem is pink-red, and is covered in dozens of rigid silver spines. The smooth-edged, asymmetrical leaves are found in muted yellow, bronze and orange varieties. Small bunches of them grow from the base like blades of grass. The leaves are delicate, but take little effort to detach.

It is steady-growing, taking 17 months to reach maturity. Once mature, a handful of flowers, with petals that are either grey or hazel, with a yellow center, grow at the top, reappearing every year. The flower head is largely flat with 16 tightly layered narrow petals. It has a strong scent that smells like cheap aftershave.

The leaf succulent's skin is rock-hard, the orange flesh is soft, and the light orange sap is thin and causes upset stomachs if consumed.