Crimson Spine

This average-sized leaf succulent grows up to 27 feet (8.2 meters) tall. The narrow stem is yellow-green, and is covered in sharp spines. The smooth-edged, pleated leaves are blood red on the sides and cyan at the center. Thick bunches of them grow from the base in alternating layers of 3, then 6, then 9, and so on. The leaves are sturdy, but are very difficult to pull away.

It is very slow growing, taking 47 years to reach maturity. Once mature, a handful of flowers, with solid peach petals decorated with gentle orange lines and a crimson central disk, grow at the top, reappearing once every 8 years. The flower head is made up of dozens of petals; the lower layer of petals are flat, while the upper layers form a tight dish. It has a soft scent that smells like soap.

The leaf succulent's skin is thin, the purple flesh is soft, and the indigo sap is thin and can cause blindness if consumed.