Native to southern Madagascar, the Madagascar palm is a member of the succulent and cactus family. It is not actually a palm tree. Madagascar palms are grown in warmer regions as outdoor landscape plants and in cooler areas as attractive houseplants.
Madagascar palms are engaging looking plants that will grow from 4 to 6 feet indoors and up to 15 feet outdoors. A long spindly trunk is covered with exceptionally thick spines and leaves form at the top of the trunk. This plant very rarely, if ever, develops branches. Aromatic yellow, pink or red flowers develop in the winter. Madagascar palm plants are an excellent addition to any sun-filled room.