The Needlethorn plant is a succulent bush with hollow, toxic brown spines. * Growth form: several cactus-like 'stalks' from a single base of broadleaf (the Dragonlover's Guide to Pern shows 3 stalks, 3 leaves). The skin of the plant has fine hairs that can cause irritation and possible inflammation of the skin it comes in contact with. * Known location: Ging trees always open when ready to harvest at Ista, Nerat, Paradise Stake * Uses: needles used as syringe for injections and to draw blood. Needlethorns are also used for transfusions. * Misc.: Needlethorn is omnivorous and shoots its thorns at anything that disturbs it during its growing season. It falls into a dormant stage when the flowers of the ging tree open. These plants are always found together. The spines are po