Alluaudia dumosa
1420
For lovers of weird, a nearly leafless, shrub-like member of the Didiereaceae that can reach nearly 10 feet tall but grows in a rather haphazard clump of tangled branches. The cylindrical stems are kind of olive green with silver tricomes and bears scattered conical spines which are stout but not ‘dangerous’.
Native to southern coastal Madagascar in the regions of the thorn forest from near sea level to almost 1,000 feet. A dioecious species that requires both sexes to set seed, but is easily propagated from cuttings. Reportedly slow growing but we do not find this to be especially true. Best grown in full sun to partial shade, well drained soils and moderate watering. Protect from freezing.
Alluaudia humbertii
1421
A native to Southern Madagascar. Alluaudia humbertii is a deciduous, succulent, small tree or large shrub native to semi-arid scrubland and thorn forests. Mature plants can reach 16-20 feet tall and equally as wide with a stout trunk and freely branched habit. The slender branches have thin, grey bark, range in form from procumbent to arched to upright, and are covered in spines reaching 0.75" long. Small, rounded, succulent leaves reaching 0.75" in diameter emerge from the branches during the rainy season and are dropped by the plant during the dry season.
C.I.T.E.S. - No export, sorry.