Crimson Spike Succulent

This small leaf succulent grows up to 3 feet (91.4 cm) tall. The asymmetrical stem is gray-green, and is covered in many rigid crimson spines. The ripped-edged, very narrow and elongated leaves are gentle yellow on the sides and red at the center. Very large amounts of them grow from the base in random directions. The leaves are delicate, but easily come away when pulled.

It is steady-growing, taking 12 months to reach maturity. Once mature, a single flower with petals that are either caramel or muted orange, with a yellow center grows at the top, reappearing every year. The flower head is shaped like a tube made up of many widely spaced, round-tipped petals. It has a delicate scent that smells like varnish.

The leaf succulent's skin is rock-hard, the slate flesh is rough, and the beige sap is thin.