Alluaudia procera Drake
Madagascar ocotillo
The most commonly cultivated Alluaudia. Forms tall (up to 15 m in the wild), sparsely branched columnar stems with paired spines and small oval deciduous leaves arranged in neat spiral rows. Named "Madagascar ocotillo" for resemblance to the North American Fouquieria. Most tolerant of cultivation conditions within the genus.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Didiereaceae |
| Genus | Alluaudia |
| Growth Habit | Columnar succulent tree, sparsely branched, with leaves in spiral rows |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable; threatened by deforestation of the spiny forest in southern Madagascar |
| pH Target | 6.5–7.5 |
| Type | Sandy-mineral, well-drained, low-nutrient substrate |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Oval, 8–18 mm, arranged in regular helical rows along the stem; succulent and deep green in the wet season; completely shed in the dry season.
ecoColumnar, slightly thickened at the base, 5–15 cm diameter, with sparse branching; robust paired spines 1.5–4 cm on well-defined tubercles.
ecoSmall unisexual flowers, yellowish-green; grouped in terminal panicles up to 10 cm during the wet season. Dioecious plant.
ecoMixed root system with extensive shallow roots to capture rain and a deep taproot that secures water during extreme drought.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-mineral, well-drained, low-nutrient substrate
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a stem of 25–50 cm in summer using a sterilised tool and gloves.
- 2 Dry the cut outdoors in a warm dry place for 10–14 days.
- 3 Insert in dry mineral substrate; do not water until growth signs are visible.
- 4 Roots emerge in 5–8 weeks; begin very sparse watering from that point.
- 1 Use fresh seeds; viability drops rapidly after harvest.
- 2 Sow in pure sand at 28–30 °C in a warm sunny location.
- 3 Water very minimally; germination occurs between 2 and 8 weeks.
- 4 Seedlings require constant warmth and relative drought from the first month.
This is the most forgiving Alluaudia; tolerates pot cultivation for years.
Watering in winter, which destroys the root system through rot.
Every 4 years in summer; large pots favour upward growth
Cactus fertilizer diluted to 1/4 of recommended dose, once in May and once in July
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Long, sharp spines are the main hazard; sap is mildly irritating. Always use gloves.
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"A. procera is the only Didiereaceae regularly available in the succulent plant market outside Madagascar. Its resemblance to the North American ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is a classic example of convergent evolution between unrelated lineages sharing a seasonal semi-arid habitat."
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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.