Madagascar Ocotillo (Alluaudia procera): Spiny Columnar Succulent Tree

Overview

Madagascar Ocotillo (Alluaudia procera) is a bizarre, columnar succulent tree from the spiny forests of southern Madagascar. It grows as a single, tall, unbranched (or sparsely branched) trunk covered in rows of sharp, conical spines alternating with small, round, deciduous leaves. In habitat, it can reach 30–60 feet. The leaves appear after rain and drop in drought. Small, yellowish flowers appear in clusters at the tips. It's a striking, architectural specimen for frost-free succulent gardens, evoking a prehistoric landscape. Drought-deciduous.

Key Features

• Trunk: Tall, columnar, gray-green; rows of conical spines.
• Leaves: Small, round, succulent; drought-deciduous.
• Flowers: Small, yellowish, in terminal clusters.
• Form: Usually single trunk; sparsely branched; 20–60 ft in habitat.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun.

Water

Moderate when in leaf; keep dry when leafless. Drought-tolerant.

Soil

Very well-drained, gritty. Mineral soil.

Hardiness

USDA zones 10–11. Frost tender.

Taxonomy

Family:	Didiereaceae
Genus:	Alluaudia (al-loo-WAH-dee-uh)
Species:	procera (PRO-ker-uh)
Synonym:	Didierea procera