Crimson Spine Cactus

This small cactus grows up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. The asymmetrical stem is red, and is covered in hundreds of flexible faded orange spines.

It is very slow growing, taking 28 years to reach maturity. Once mature, a handful of flowers, with solid white petals decorated with black dots and a aquamarine central disk, grow at the top, reappearing once every 4 years. The flower head is shaped like a bowl with 7 tightly layered, narrow petals. It has an overpowering scent that smells like apple.

The cactus's skin is very thick, the olive flesh is sticky, and the crimson sap is thin and causes upset stomachs if consumed.