<previous next>

Copper

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

This short cactus grows up to 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall. It splits randomly along the body to form 6 wispy stems. Each stem is copper, and is covered in handfuls of rigid intense blue spines.

It is quick growing, taking 8 months to reach maturity. Once mature, a handful of flowers, with alternating petals of blood red and silver, with a purple central disk, grow at the top, reappearing once every 6 years. The flower head is largely flat with several widely spaced round-tipped petals. It has a delicate scent that smells like coconut.

The cactus's skin is nearly impenetrable, the violet flesh is soft, and the violet sap is thin.

The colour changes depends on whether the soil is acidic or alkaline.
It is suitable for creating fine, soft textiles