Alluaudia procera A deciduous succulent plant in the Didiereaceae family, Alluaudia procera is one of several species belonging to rich, biologically diverse ecosystems known as Madagascan Spiny Forests in the semi- arid southwest of the island of Madagascar off the coast of southern Africa. Called ‘Fantshiholitra’ in the Malagasy tongue, these extraordinarily peculiar plants are characteristic of their unique spiny thicket native habitat. A.procera grows in areas that might not receive any rain at all over the course of a year. It can withstand extended periods of drought, yet is absent classic succulents’ water storage tissues. In the wild it varies in form from small shrublike thickets to tall arboreal growth traditionally harvested for uses such as charcoal-making and lumber. Deciduous during the long dry season, when the rains eventually come its leaves erupt in abundance virtually overnight. Young Alluaudias form intriguing tangles of stems before eventually developing strong tree-like central columns with branches higher up on their main trunks. Though strikingly similar in appearance to Fouquieria splendens— the ocotillo of North America’s Sonoran Deserts— and though it often goes by the common name ‘Madagascar Ocotillo’, the two species belong to entirely different taxonomic families and orders. Their resemblance developed via convergent evolution, whereby similar features arise among unrelated species in geographic independence of one another, within an otherwise divergent genetic pool. Alluaudia procera makes an unusual and attractive addition to any dry garden. It takes well to container cultivation. Although sharp, A.procera’s spines are not micro-haired splinter glochids such as are commonly found on typical cacti species: they do not detach to painfully embed, and by taking some care it is easy to safely handle this plant with bare un-gloved hands. Alluaudia needs full sun and a very will drained soil mix. These robust and hardy plants and generally not prone to pests, fungal or bacterial infections. Alluaudia is an especially forgiving and tolerant genus ~ vigorous and easy to cultivate. Undemanding to grow and care for, this tough, bulletproof plant can take a lot of neglect and absolutely flourish. • Drought Tolerant • Suitable for Xeriscaping In areas with freezing winters it is advisable to protect these plants inside a greenhouse during frigid weather. Established Alluaudias are frequently able to tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C). While younger plants are more cold-susceptible, older established specimens with thicker stems have been known to tolerate temperatures down to 20°F undamaged. Please note: as a deciduous species A.procera regularly drops all its leaves in winter months or whenever the plant decides to take a rest. Be assured, this is completely normal and no cause for worry. When stems are bare, reduce water until leaves start to appear again, then continue watering normally as long as plants remain in leaf. Water thoroughly, fully saturating the soil. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. The unique & striking forms of these odd, spectacularly different-looking plants make conversation pieces sure to spark fascination and intrigue. Nothing is quite like Alluaudia procera for creating landscapes with dramatic interest, especially when grown in multiples that compose stunning mini-forests of sculptural stems. For sale is a rooted stem cutting taken from the strong and healthy ‘mother’ plants in my collection as shown in the photos above. Specimens typical of what you will receive are shown in the photo directly below. TYPICAL SPECIMEN SIZES. You will receive one plant similar to those shown in the photograph directly above this caption. Sorry, please understand that special requests regarding specific specimens or length cannot be accommodated. Thanks. Specimens typical of those for sale are shown in the photo immediately above. This is of course a living product of nature with natural variation. At a guaranteed minimum you will receive at least one good strong stem with starter roots ready for planting. Like many arid environment plants, Alluaudia has evolved to abandon its leaves during long periods of drought, and concentrate its sustenance in the stems. Therefore your specimen might not have extensive leaf material, though new leaves will form and grow once it is planted. You will receive a fine naturally formed reproductive specimen : a strong stem segment with starter roots ready for planting — healthy and good to grow. • EASY INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED • FREE SHIPPING! Shipped bare root — this means without soil or pot via US Postal Service First Class Mail. To prep plant for safe travel please allow a day or two after purchase before it ships out. HEALTHY UNIQUE PLANTS From your friends at Please check weather before ordering: freezing weather can cause damage before arrival. Order ‘when all danger of frost is past’ as with seeds if this is a concern in your region. We choose strong healthy plants for shipping. In case you are not satisfied with plant condition or feel original description does not match please message us a photo within 3 days of receipt. At our discretion depending on circumstances we may ship you a new specimens free of charge subject to your payment only of re-shipping postage. Although plant material returns are not accepted please be assured we stand fully behind all we sell and will always do our utmost best to work things out to your satisfaction.

Alluaudia procera A deciduous succulent plant in the Didiereaceae family, Alluaudia procera is one of several species belonging to rich, biologically diverse ecosystems known as Madagascan Spiny Forests in the semi- arid southwest of the island of Madagascar off the coast of southern Africa. Called ‘Fantshiholitra’ in the Malagasy tongue, these extraordinarily peculiar plants are characteristic of their unique spiny thicket native habitat. A.procera grows in areas that might not receive any rain at all over the course of a year. It can withstand extended periods of drought, yet is absent classic succulents’ water storage tissues. In the wild it varies in form from small shrublike thickets to tall arboreal growth traditionally harvested for uses such as charcoal-making and lumber. Deciduous during the long dry season, when the rains eventually come its leaves erupt in abundance virtually overnight. Young Alluaudias form intriguing tangles of stems before eventually developing strong tree-like central columns with branches higher up on their main trunks. Though strikingly similar in appearance to Fouquieria splendens— the ocotillo of North America’s Sonoran Deserts— and though it often goes by the common name ‘Madagascar Ocotillo’, the two species belong to entirely different taxonomic families and orders. Their resemblance developed via convergent evolution, whereby similar features arise among unrelated species in geographic independence of one another, within an otherwise divergent genetic pool. Alluaudia procera makes an unusual and attractive addition to any dry garden. It takes well to container cultivation. Although sharp, A.procera’s spines are not micro-haired splinter glochids such as are commonly found on typical cacti species: they do not detach to painfully embed, and by taking some care it is easy to safely handle this plant with bare un-gloved hands. Alluaudia needs full sun and a very will drained soil mix. These robust and hardy plants and generally not prone to pests, fungal or bacterial infections. Alluaudia is an especially forgiving and tolerant genus ~ vigorous and easy to cultivate. Undemanding to grow and care for, this tough, bulletproof plant can take a lot of neglect and absolutely flourish. • Drought Tolerant • Suitable for Xeriscaping In areas with freezing winters it is advisable to protect these plants inside a greenhouse during frigid weather. Established Alluaudias are frequently able to tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C). While younger plants are more cold-susceptible, older established specimens with thicker stems have been known to tolerate temperatures down to 20°F undamaged. Please note: as a deciduous species A.procera regularly drops all its leaves in winter months or whenever the plant decides to take a rest. Be assured, this is completely normal and no cause for worry. When stems are bare, reduce water until leaves start to appear again, then continue watering normally as long as plants remain in leaf. Water thoroughly, fully saturating the soil. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. The unique & striking forms of these odd, spectacularly different-looking plants make conversation pieces sure to spark fascination and intrigue. Nothing is quite like Alluaudia procera for creating landscapes with dramatic interest, especially when grown in multiples that compose stunning mini-forests of sculptural stems. For sale is a rooted stem cutting taken from the strong and healthy ‘mother’ plants in my collection as shown in the photos above. Specimens typical of what you will receive are shown in the photo directly below. TYPICAL SPECIMEN SIZES. You will receive one plant similar to those shown in the photograph directly above this caption. Sorry, please understand that special requests regarding specific specimens or length cannot be accommodated. Thanks. Specimens typical of those for sale are shown in the photo immediately above. This is of course a living product of nature with natural variation. At a guaranteed minimum you will receive at least one good strong stem with starter roots ready for planting. Like many arid environment plants, Alluaudia has evolved to abandon its leaves during long periods of drought, and concentrate its sustenance in the stems. Therefore your specimen might not have extensive leaf material, though new leaves will form and grow once it is planted. You will receive a fine naturally formed reproductive specimen : a strong stem segment with starter roots ready for planting — healthy and good to grow. • EASY INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED • FREE SHIPPING! Shipped bare root — this means without soil or pot via US Postal Service First Class Mail. To prep plant for safe travel please allow a day or two after purchase before it ships out. HEALTHY UNIQUE PLANTS From your friends at Please check weather before ordering: freezing weather can cause damage before arrival. Order ‘when all danger of frost is past’ as with seeds if this is a concern in your region. We choose strong healthy plants for shipping. In case you are not satisfied with plant condition or feel original description does not match please message us a photo within 3 days of receipt. At our discretion depending on circumstances we may ship you a new specimens free of charge subject to your payment only of re-shipping postage. Although plant material returns are not accepted please be assured we stand fully behind all we sell and will always do our utmost best to work things out to your satisfaction.