Now that's what I call spines Robert!
The shape of the leaf is more "Christmas tree" on that one..
http://www.bustaniplantfarm.co...
Looking more closely I can see three very sharp spines on the leaf pointing to 1 o'clock, about 2/3 of the way down with one on the midrib and one either side of it.
You might be onto something! I found some photos of a young plant and that one doesn't match, but it could be something similar.
http://herselfshoustongarden.c...
Hetty, go back and buy the plant so we can scrutinise it better.
