Alluaudia comosa (Drake) Drake
Comose alluaudia
Similar to A. ascendens but with a distinctive "comose" (tufted) appearance at branch tips. Slender spiny stems with small rounded deciduous leaves. Forms multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees. Common in the spiny forest transition zones of southern Madagascar.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Genus | Alluaudia |
| Growth Habit | Branched columnar shrub or tree, multi-stemmed, drought-deciduous |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable; habitat loss in spiny forest through deforestation and livestock grazing |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Stony mineral substrate, low in nutrients with perfect drainage |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Oval to orbicular, small (5–12 mm), clustered in terminal tufts at branch tips; green and succulent in the wet season, shed in the dry season.
ecoMultiple stems, erect to slightly arching, 2–6 cm diameter, with paired spines 1–2 cm long; greyish-green colouration.
ecoTiny flowers, greenish to whitish, grouped in cymes at branch tips during the wet season; plant is dioecious.
ecoSpread lateral roots that exploit surface rainfall and taproot reaching deep moisture layers.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Stony mineral substrate, low in nutrients with perfect drainage
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a lateral stem of 15–30 cm in summer with sterilised scissors.
- 2 Dry the cut in a warm ventilated place for 7–14 days.
- 3 Insert vertically in dry mineral substrate.
- 4 Begin watering very sparingly after 4 weeks; roots emerge in 6–10 weeks.
- 1 Seeds have short viability; use only fresh seeds from the current year.
- 2 Sow in mineral sandy substrate at 28 °C.
- 3 Keep slightly moist until germination.
- 4 Seedlings grow very slowly; protect from cold in the first years.
Gradually reduce watering in September–October to initiate winter dormancy.
Watering in winter, which rots the base and roots.
Every 4–5 years in summer; the plant prefers confined roots
Very diluted cactus fertilizer (1/4 of recommended dose), once in spring and once in summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Sharp spines; sap may irritate sensitive skin. Always handle with gloves and care.
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"The name 'comosa' (from Latin comosus, hairy or tufted) refers to the leaf clusters that crown each branch at the start of the wet season, giving it an unmistakable appearance that visually distinguishes it from A. ascendens in the field."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.