Euphorbia agatheae

Origin Euphorbia agatheae is an ultra-rare pachycaul species endemic to Southwestern Madagascar. It is specifically localized in the Ifaty region (north of Toliara). Formally described in 2021, it is named in honor of Agathe Haevermans, a distinguished scientific illustrator who has dedicated years to documenting Malagasy flora.

Habitat This species thrives in the subtropical dry forests of the Mahafaly Plateau. It is uniquely adapted to growing in red sandy soils (sable roux) and among limestone outcrops near the coast. In its natural environment, it endures intense heat and prolonged dry seasons, relying on its specialized trunk to store water. It typically occupies the understory of spiny thickets, benefiting from dappled sunlight before emerging into the canopy as it matures.

Description Euphorbia agatheae is a majestic pachycaul (bottle-shaped) tree that is increasingly sought after by caudiciform enthusiasts for its sculptural growth habit.

• The Trunk (Caudex): In the wild, it can reach a height of 6 meters, with a distinctive swollen, succulent trunk that can grow up to 30 cm in diameter. In cultivation, it maintains a compact "fat" base, making it a perfect specimen for high-end succulent bonsai. Its bark is typically smooth and greyish, becoming more textured with age.

• Foliage: The leaves are small (approx. 2–3 cm), succulent, and obovate in shape. They possess a lustrous green sheen and are clustered at the tips of the branchlets. As a deciduous species, it sheds its leaves during the dormant season, revealing its stark, architectural skeletal form.

• Flowers (Cyathia): It produces delicate, greenish-yellow cyathia (flowers) that are relatively small (6–7 mm in diameter). These appear in sub-terminal clusters, providing a subtle, sophisticated contrast to the rugged trunk.

• Distinction: Within the Pachysanthae section, E. agatheae is distinguished by its smaller leaf size and its specific affinity for the sandy coastal forests of the southwest, separating it from its northern relatives.