Family: Didiereaceae

Madagascar ocotillo is a succulent plant that can be manipulated into cactus art, like bonsai. It needs well-drained soil, is suitable for xeriscaping, and likes a lot of sun. It will thrive in container gardens as well.

Going dormant for some of the year, cut back on water and fertilizer when it loses leaves. The plant requires both male and female forms to produce seeds. The flowers are not showy. This plant has thorns and spines, be careful when handling. It is native to Madagascar.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Indoor plant
• Ornamental
• Specimen

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Spiny
  
• Reproduces by seeds and suckers
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization
  
• Commonly cultivated and values as an ornamental
  
• Seedlings palatable to cattle
  
• Requires well-drained soils
  
• Dioecious
  
• Relatively slow-growing and long time to maturity
  
• Seeds may not persist after 1 year