Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: octopus plant

Family: Didiereaceae (Didierea)

Distribution: Madagascar

Habitat: Spiny forest-thicket

IUCN Red list: Vulnerable

Life form: Succulent plant

Comments: This uniquely Madagascan species only occurs in the Malagasy spiny thicket. The succulent stems initially grow along the ground while mature stems eventually grow upright. The spines that cover the stems protect the plant’s fleshy leaves and greenish-yellow flowers from being eaten by lemurs. Despite some populations being protected, this species is declining due to habitat destruction.