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Magenta Leaf Succulent

Succulent type: Leaf succulent (Stores water in its leaves)

This short leaf succulent grows up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall. The stiff, pointed stem is pink-red, and is covered in brittle bright green spines. The jagged-edged, wide leaves are generally magenta. Thick bunches of them grow from the base in a random bunch. The leaves are delicate, and take some effort to detach.

It is slow growing, taking 42 years to reach maturity. Once mature, a single flower with petals that are generally bronze; each flower tends to be a variation of this colour grows at the top, reappearing once every 6 years. The flower head is shaped like a trumpet with 28 widely spaced, narrow petals. It has an overpowering scent that smells like a damp log.

The leaf succulent's skin is thick, the lime flesh is rubbery, and the black sap is thin.

It is almost impossible to grow from cuttings.
It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles
It usually houses a colony of beneficial insects.