EVE’S NEEDLE

Scientific Name: Austrocylindropuntia subulata

Common Names: Eve’s Needle

Description:

Eve’s Needle is a succulent shrub known for its tall, slender stems and impressive spines.

Size: It can grow quite large, reaching heights of 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) tall, with elongated branches up to 50 cm (20 inches) long.

Stems:

The defining feature is the elongated, cylindrical stems. These stems are glossy green, especially around the areoles (the small bumps where spines emerge) and margins.

Leaves: Eve’s Needle has small, fleshy leaves that are prominent for one or more seasons.

Spines: The namesake feature is the long, white or grayish spines.

Uses: Eve’s Needle is sometimes used as:

• A specimen plant in gardens with ample space due to its large size.
• A hedge plant in warmer climates, although the formidable spines require caution.