Cat’s Tail Euphorbia

Cat’s Tail Euphorbia (Euphorbia alluaudii subsp. oncoclada)

🌼 Aesthetic Description

It grows as a mass of upright, pencil-thin stems with occasional spines and sparse leaves. Think “jungle cactus” meets modern sculpture.

📚 Scientific Description

Scientific Name: Euphorbia alluaudii subsp. oncoclada
Common Name: Cat’s Tail Euphorbia (also known as Madagascar Pencil Plant)
Plant Type: Subspecies
Family: Euphorbiaceae
A multi-branched succulent shrub with slender, green stems that grow vertically and form dense thickets. It’s a leafless species with spiny nodes and a waxy coating on the stems.

🧬 General Botanical Information

Native to Madagascar, this Euphorbia grows in dry, tropical forests and is well adapted to store water in its long stems. The sap is toxic and should be handled carefully. It can reach over a meter in height and forms dense, spindly clusters — perfect for structural or minimal landscape planting.

🏡 Care Description

Thrives in full sun and gritty soil. Water only when completely dry, and make sure to give it room to grow. Not pet-safe and not frost-hardy, but a total showpiece indoors or out.

 
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