Didiera madascariensis (During the winter dormancy phase)
This is the most attractive member of the genus Didiera, a densely spiny silvery columns with strip-like leaves which has been named the 'octopus tree'.

Description: The Didiera Madagascariensis is a spiny, succulent thorn-bush tree which can reach 4 to 6 meters. These hardy drought-resistant plants appear as a spine-encrusted mass of branches.
Leaves: Greyish-green strip-like and deciduous.

This plant is an example of convergent evolution. In fact both New World cacti, African Euphorbias and the Madagascar Didiera madagascariensis appear similar in appearance, being succulent, spiny, water-storing, and adapted to desert conditions. However, they are classified in separate and distinct families, sharing characteristics that have evolved independently in response to similar environmental challenges, and hence this is a typical case of convergence.
 

Scientific name:  Didiera madagascariensis Baill 1880.

Origin:  Madagascar

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Common Names include: "octopus tree"

• Alluaudiopsis marnieriana
• Didierea mirabilis

Cultivation: This plant can take a good deal of water during active growth and should be watered only when not dormant. Keep dryish in winter. This plant should be overwintered in the greenhouse at temperatures over 12°C (avoid to let temperatures to drop lower than 5° C) Use a very draining but rich soil, and not too much sun.

Reproduction: Can be reproduced both by seeds or grafting it on Allaudia procera.