Allauaudia procera

Allauaudia procera A wonderfully strange plant from the arid regions of Madagascar. They are sometimes called the Madagascar Ocotillio because of the very similar look and growth habit, but they are completely unrelated. Like Ocotillos, this species will drop its leaves and regrow them at random times of the year.  It is especially prone to it when the soil dries out, but it can do it for no clear reason.  It will sit like that for a few weeks to a couple months, then suddenly make all new leaves in a few days.  However, as a general rule they grow during the warm times of year and go dormant in the winter. They are generally unbranched when young, adding some branches as it matures. If you are in a warm southwestern climate (i.e. southern California or southern Arizona) it can make a nice landscape plant.  They will get very tall in time (old specimens are 20' or more!). However, I know many of you live in cold winter climates, but don't worry it can live happily in a pot indefinitely