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Silver Spine Cactus

Succulent type: Stem succulent (Stores water in its stem)

This small cactus grows up to 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall. The very thick stem is silver, and is covered in many rigid black spines. The spherical body is yellow-green, and is covered in thick sheets of fine, black, hair-like spines.

It is slow growing, taking 18 years to reach maturity. Once mature, a handful of flowers, with solid black petals decorated with amber lines and a turquoise central disk, grow at the top, reappearing every year. The flower head is shaped like a cup with 60 tightly layered, narrow petals. It has no scent.

The cactus's skin is thick, the dark grey flesh is smooth, and the lime sap is thin.

It is suitable for creating flexible, durable textiles
It can absorb up to 12 times its own weight in water.
It makes a distinctive sound when the wind blows through it.