Interesting looking tree, but I can see how someone could easily hurt themselves walking by it if they're not careful. Might poke out an eye or something.
I have an interest in growing trees in containers and was searching the internet for the "most beautiful trees" to see what I might enjoy growing. I didn't find a list but I did come across the Kapok tree which someone was claiming was voted as one of the 5 most beautiful trees in the world. It also has spines on the trunk. Although the one I saw a picture of did not have any. It was a large spreading tree that they say grows quickly. Also an interesting tree specimen.
Jeff