Euphorbia alluaudii aka Alluaud's Euphorbia

Euphorbia alluaudii is a succulent shrub or small tree from Madagascar. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Common names include cat tails euphorbia and Madagascan fire plant. Its range covers the southwest and reaches toward the central plateau. It grows in bushland, on rock outcrops, and along rock faces. Some sites are dry, while others have a wetter climate. It occurs from sea level to about 3,280 feet [1,000 metres].

The plant forms a dense group of round, jointed branches. These have no spines. Most rise from the base, then bend outward. This gives the plant a shape about as wide as tall. Container plants often reach 4–6 feet [1.2–1.8 metres]. Plants can reach 13 feet [4 metres], or sometimes 20 feet [6 metres]. The narrow, pale green stems may stand upright or trail. Brown leaf scars and large pores give them a spotted look. Smooth grey bark forms late as the plant ages.

Tiny green leaves grow near the tips of new branches. They resemble scales and soon drop off. A black glandular ring marks each leaf base. Small yellow flower structures, called cyathia, appear near the branch tips. They bloom in spring and summer. Each cyathium is male or female. Most plants bear just one sex, though some bear both. The developing fruit can look red and somewhat heart-shaped. The capsules also have green walls with purple-edged ridges. Each capsule holds three seeds and splits open when ripe.

In cultivation, water during the active growing season. Do not leave water standing around the roots. Keep the plant almost dry during winter rest. Its care needs shift from warm, watered growth to cooler, dry dormancy. LLIFLE recommends summer feeding with a cactus and succulent fertiliser. It suggests a potassium-rich feed that also supplies trace elements. A slow-release feed is another option. Its branching form offers interest as a container plant.

Cut stems release a large amount of sap. This soon seals the wound and helps limit fungal growth there. The supplied species evidence does not establish food use or toxicity. In the wild, this plant remains common across its range. Fire and land clearance threaten its habitat. Charcoal production and mining also put pressure on some sites.