The Plants of Madagascar

Madagascar is home to some of the most unique plants on the planet. In fact, most of Madagascar’s plants are endemic, meaning they can be found nowhere else on earth.

Among this peculiar plant life, notice the amazing adaptations essential to survival in this barren, windswept land. Water-storing leaves and trunks, reduced leaves, deciduous leaves, no leaves, and lots and lots of spines hold the key to the continued existence of this fascinating ecosystem. Thanks to these incredible adaptations, many plants of the spiny desert can live for up to a year without water. In fact, the Garden staff cuts back on watering October through March to allow the plants a dormant period for their health and to induce blooming in the spring.

This Malagasy plant life includes several pachypodiums – also known as “bottle trees.” These spiny succulents store water in their swollen trunks to survive droughts. Named for elephant’s feet, the pachypodium derives its name from Greek words pachy (thick) and podium (foot), which translates to “thick-footed.”

Inside the Glasshouse, you’ll also see a 40-foot tall true-to-life Great Baobab Tree, the towering icon of Madagascar. With its twisted, gnarled branches and massive trunk, this “upside-down” tree could have come straight out of a mythic tale. It’s no surprise that an ancient legend claims the gods uprooted the baobab and repositioned it upside down after becoming enraged by the baobab’s desire to be more beautiful.

In total, the Garden holds five baobabs of varying sizes in its collection, including one that is at least 75 years old. Having survived three-quarters of a century, it is one of the oldest baobabs outside of Madagascar.

Some have traveled halfway across the world to see the legendary baobab and the other remarkable plants in Madagascar. You can experience them during your next visit to Cleveland Botanical Garden.

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