Didierea trollii

The Didierea trollii is a rare succulent species. It occurs endemically in Madagascar within the province of Toliara. When a species occurs endemically, they only grow within a specific geographic location (i.e., an island, nation, country or another defined zone or habitat type). For this reason (among others), this species is threatened by extinction. To export a single specimen from Madagascar, a CITES permit must first be applied for and approved. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an agreement to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

The Didierea trollii is 1 of 2 species in the entire genus. It is a dioecious plant from the genus Didierea in the family Didiereaceae. The species was named after Wilhelm Troll (1897-1978), a professor of botany at the University of Mainz and the founder of the botanical garden in Mainz, Germany. Initially grows along the ground, eventually forming upright shoots that can reach heights of 10'. During growing season, shoots bear elongated, elliptical/obovate, small, deciduous green leaves. Grayish-white thorns cover the shoots. Flowers grow close to one another and are greenish-white with pink stamens.