Crimson Spine Caudex

This average-sized caudiciform grows up to 27 feet (8.2 meters) tall. The very thick stem is moss green, and is covered in thick bunches of rigid crimson spines. The stocky, dull green trunk can grow to as much as 27 feet (8.2 meters) in diameter. Its pink-red branches are very short, thin and wispy.

The jagged-edged, thin leaves are copper at the bottom and cream with dark grey lines at the top. They are light, but detach easily.

It is steady-growing, taking 16 months to reach maturity. Once mature, several flowers with bold purple petals that gradient shift to dark grey on the outer edge. The central disk is caramel grow at the top, reappearing every year. The flower head is largely flat with handfuls of tightly layered narrow petals. It has a faint scent that smells like onion.

The caudiciform's skin is rock-hard, the indigo flesh is leathery, and the hazel sap is thin and causes diarrhea if consumed.