Burgundy Spike Cactus

This short cactus grows up to 3 feet (91.4 cm) tall. It splits near the top to form 4 stiff, pointed stems. Each stem is burgundy, and is covered in thousands of fine, slate, hair-like spines.

It is quick growing, taking 8 months to reach maturity. Once mature, several flowers with solid peach petals decorated with vibrant red dots and a amber central disk grow at the top, reappearing once every 5 years. The flower head is shaped like a tube with 53 widely spaced, round-tipped petals. It has an overpowering scent that smells like varnish.

The cactus's skin is nearly impenetrable, the green flesh is rubbery, and the lime sap is thin.