The polyurethane cactus that captured the heart of collectors/Elle Decor - Rima Suqi
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how a polyurethane cactus captured the hearts of collectors everywhere

02 Apr The polyurethane cactus that captured the heart of collectors/Elle Decor

Italy is probably not the first country that springs to mind when it comes to succulent populations but, believe it or not, Italians are directly responsible for one of the most recognizable cacti on the planet: a 67-inch-tall flexible polyurethane specimen, originally designed as a hall rack, that debuted in 1972 and is in the permanent collection of museums across the globe—not to mention its cameo on our most recent cover.

Designed by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello and produced by Gufram, a company whose whimsical, spongy furniture collection became synonymous with the Italian radical design movement, the soft and thornless Cactus—whose dimpled arms extend skyward in a way that suggests “Yay! Still here, baby!”—will celebrate its 50th birthday this year. Read more about this stylish succulent, including an exclusive interview with its creators, here.