Alluadia

DESCRIPTION: This group of succulents is from Madagascar. Most varieties of Alluadia are shrubby when young, eventually forming a single-trunked tree, branching high above the ground. Some species grow up to 50 feet high. All but one variety produce deciduous leaves, growing from the same nodes every year. Male and female flowers, which are mostly small and white, are produced on separate plants. A. dumosa forms a shrubby plant when young, growing to a height of up to 30 feet at maturity. The leaves of this species are reduced to unnoticeable scales. It is suitable for growing in a window, greenhouse, or outdoors in containers. A. procera forms a small shrub with basal branches when young, eventually shooting up a main trunk. This variety can reach a height of up to 50 feet at maturity. It will produce flowers when only 10 feet high. The round, fleshy leaves grow directly out from the branches and trunk. This variety is also suitable for growing in greenhouses, containers, and windowsills, as well as being used for a landscaping plant.

POTTING: These plants will not tolerate frost and prefer a sunny location in a tropical climate.

PROPAGATION: Grow these plants from cuttings, because seed is rarely available.

VARIETIES: A. dumosa; A. procera.

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