Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm)

Native to southern and southwestern Madagascar, this succulent shrub or small tree grows on rocky ground in dry forests. Its thick, spiny trunk stores water, while clusters of leaves grow at the branch tips. Despite its common name, it belongs to the dogbane family. Mature plants produce large white flowers with yellow throats. Wild plants can reach about 26 feet tall, although container-grown specimens usually remain much smaller. All parts are poisonous if eaten. Photographed in Colombia.