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Emerald Spine Caudex

Succulent type: Caudiciform (Stores water in the thickened base of its stem)

This small caudiciform grows up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall. The thin stem is emerald, and is dotted with small caramel spines. The very thick, red trunk can grow to as much as 7 feet (2.1 meters) in diameter. Its gray branches are short, rigid and upright.

The ripped-edged, stiff, pointed leaves are lilac on the sides and olive at the center. They are resilient, but do not detach easily.

It is quick growing, taking 5 months to reach maturity. Once mature, and only under the right conditions, several flowers with petals that are generally brilliant red; each flower tends to be a variation of this colour grow at the top, reappearing after 8 years, but only when the conditions are right again. The flower head is largely flat with 51 raised round-tipped petals. It has a fairly strong scent that smells like something putrid.

The caudiciform's skin is extremely thick, the green flesh is smooth, and the dark grey sap is thin.

It is said to be able to live for hundreds of years.
It can survive a long time without water.
It is suitable for creating fine, soft textiles