Jatropha mahafalensis: A Rare, Caudiciform Succulent Shrub

Jatropha mahafalensis is a rare, caudiciform succulent shrub from Madagascar. It develops a thick, bottle-shaped, swollen base (caudex) with peeling bark, from which arise a few stout branches bearing large, lobed, green leaves. It produces small, unisexual flowers in cymes. This member of the Euphorbia family is prized by collectors of unusual caudiciforms for its sculptural, bonsai-like trunk and tropical foliage.