Copperleaf

This small leaf succulent grows up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall. The very narrow, elongated stem is copper, and is covered in handfuls of rigid bronze spines. The rounded-edged, needle-like leaves are brown and brilliant red. Copious amounts of them grow from the base like a cabbage. The leaves are robust, but do not detach easily.

It is quick growing, taking 11 months to reach maturity. Once mature, a handful of flowers, with solid olive petals and a brilliant red central disk, grow at the top, reappearing every year. The flower head is shaped like a trumpet made up of several widely spaced, narrow petals. It has an intensely strong scent that smells like pepper.

The leaf succulent's skin is very thick, the orange flesh is rough, and the aquamarine sap is thin.