ZEN Around the World: Madagascar
Madagascar, an island nation off the east coast of Africa, is home to many unique plants, including the Elephant's Foot (Pachypodium rosulatum). Photo taken by the author in Isalo National Park, Madagascar.
Did you know that Madagascar is home to over 10,000 different species of plants, of which about 90% are only found in Madagascar? Peep this article to learn about some of our favorite species from Mada we carry in the shop and how to care for them.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a genus of succulent native to Madagascar and tropical Africa. Some popular species from Madagascar include:
- Copper Spoons (Kalanchoe orgyalis)
- Flower Dust Plant (Kalanchoe pumila)
- Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
- Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe daigremontiana)
- Chandelier Plant (Kalanchoe tuberosa)
While Kalanchoe do reproduce via flowering, new individuals can also develop vegetatively as plantlets. The young plants eventually drop off the mother plant and take root elsewhere. They are exact clones of the mother plant and do not contribute to genetic diversity of their respective species. #babiesmakingbabies
Care: Bright light, water only when soil is try to the touch. A pot with good drainage is the ideal home for your Kalanchoe.
Did you know Kalanchoe was one of the first plants to be sent into space in in 1971?
Madagascar Palm
The Madagascar Palm is actually two species often named as one, the Pachypodium lamerei and the Pachypodium geayi. P. lamerei has a wider, greener leaf, whereas P. gaeyi has thin leaves that are green with silver to gray tones.
The Madagascar Palm is a stem succulent, which means it photosynthesizes (makes food from sunlight) mainly through its trunk rather than its leaves. It has large thorns to protect its trunk, which also houses its water source. In ideal conditions, the Madagascar Palm can grow taller than 5 feet and blooms a fragrant, white flower.
Care: At least 6 hours of bright light daily. Water only when soil is try to the touch. Water sparingly (about once a month) in winter; Madagascar Palm species go dormant during winter months.
The species of Madagascar Palm seen here is the P. lamerei.
Madagascar Dragon Tree
The Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) has thin leaves are linear and a deep, glossy green color with red edges. The leaves taper to a point, making them appear in shape to a knife blade. It is a popular houseplant that needs little attention, with several cultivars available with the leaves variegated with red or pale yellow.
The most common issue this plant suffers from is over-watering. When the soil is over-watered, root rot can occur on the leaves because the soil is unable to properly drain and relieve the high moisture content. This can lead to discoloration and droopy leaves.
Care: Low to bright light, water only when soil is try to the touch. A pot with good drainage is essential for your Madagascar Dragon Tree.
Did you know that the Madagascar Dragon Tree can grow in shade or sun?
Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a genus of succulent plants belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is the fourth largest genus of flowering plants. The species are found in subtropical regions of Africa and Madagascar. Some popular species from Madagascar include:
- Blue Kalanchoe (Euphorbia eriophylla)
- Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milli, E. gottlebei)
- Dead Plant (Euphorbia platyclada)
Many of the Euphorbia species in Madagascar are endangered. This is due to habitat lose from slash and burn agriculture (called 'tavy' in Malagasy) practiced throughout the country. You can learn more about how to help protect Madagascar's plant diversity by visiting this website.
Care: At least 6 hours of bright light daily. Water only when soil is try to the touch. Water sparingly (about once a month) in winter; Some Euphorbia species go dormant during winter months.
Known commonly as the Crown of Thorns, the species pictured here is the Euphorbia gottlebei. It looks very similar to the E. milli, except that in can grow up to 5 feet in height. Picture taken by the author, Marozevo, Madagascar.
What plants do you have that are from Madagascar?