I like the decision to go with a rather different subject matter. The texture on these fellows is awesome, the gradations of green and black are very interesting, and the white spines really set things off.
Are these flowers? Just asking - but it really didnt matter on my vote. Love the color and contrast. Just has a really nice feel to it overall and I think it would certainly be a plant that Shez will like. Bumping up to 8.