London’s first boutique dedicated to cacti and other unusual exotic succulents has just opened in Dalston.

Hackney Gazette: Gynelle in Prick, the cactus shopGynelle in Prick, the cactus shop (Image: Archant)

Gynelle Leon decided to set up Prick in Kingsland Road, Dalston, after she started collecting huge specimens, and soon found she was often driving hundreds of miles to nurseries to find the perfect “living sculpture”.

She bought her first succulent, a five-foot euphorbia, five years ago, and started building a collection. “Quickly I realised how they transformed my home and increased my wellbeing,” she said.

“They also outlived a lot of my relationships so I really appreciated their loyalty.

“I love cacti and succulent for their graphic forms and hardiness – their symbolism for strength while also being able to bloom delicate flowers. So I decided to make the shop I always wished existed.”

Hackney Gazette: Prick is in Kingsland Road, DalstonPrick is in Kingsland Road, Dalston (Image: Archant)