Beware the teddy bear cholla cactus, probably the most harmful plant within the desert.
Even thick, elbow-length protecting gloves couldn't cease Sir David Attenborough's hand being stabbed by the vicious cactus spikes, that are as sharp as glass and barbed like a fishhook.
"There's nothing cuddly about this specific teddy bear," Attenborough mentioned of the golden prickled cactus, which may develop to heights of two.5 metres and is native to north-western Mexico and desert areas within the US.
"Do not be deceived by the title," he defined, whereas in Arizona filming his newest documentary collection The Inexperienced Planet.
"It is probably the most harmful plant within the desert and I would not dream of placing my hand wherever close to it with out correct safety."
Attenborough then plunges his hand into the spikes of the chollas, earlier than letting out a yelp of ache which signifies at the very least one golden needle has pierced his glove.
"Considered one of them has simply gone by," he mentioned.
"It is fairly painful."
The spikes, each lined with backward pointed barbs, are notoriously troublesome to take away.
"Getting them out even with a pair of pliers is kind of laborious," Attenborough mentioned.
Crew members later needed to pluck the spikes from the 95-year-old British environmentalist's glove.
Chollas are typically utilized in gardens due to its dramatic splash of golden color.
In The Inexperienced Planet, Attenborough explores the world of vegetation, together with forest flowers, desert shrubs and snowy survivors.