<previous next>

Crimson Spike

Flower type: Biennial (Stores water in its leaves)

This small flower grows up to 3 inches (8 cm) tall. Its orange-yellow stem is thin, and the tiny, lime or aquamarine leaves are thin with smooth edges. Many leaves grow at the base of the stem, and more leaves grow in pairs along the length of the stem.

Lots of tiny flowers grow along the length of the stem. The flowers are 3 cm (1.2 inches) wide, with cream petals that gradient shift to cyan on the outer edge. The central disk is crimson. The flower head is an uncoordinated mess of up to 40 petals. They detach easily.

It has a delicate scent that smells like varnish, and it has a modest amount of pollen; it does not cause many allergic reactions. It is pollinated by the wind, but is also visited by some specific types of insect.

The trunk and branches are covered in large spikes.
It is suitable for making strong rope
The leaves are bitter, but very healthy.