Alluaudia ascendens


Alluaudia ascendens is a species of Alluaudia endemic to Madagascar. It can reach 15 m in height. Its local name is fantsiolotse.

Range and habitat

Alluaudia ascendens is native to Anosy region of southern Madagascar, where it is found in Taolagnaro, Andohahela, Ankodida, Behara-Tranomaro, and Ifotaky. The species' estimated extent of occurrence is 2,417 km2, and its estimated area of occupancy is 44 km2
it is native to the southeastern portion of the Madagascar spiny thickets ecoregion, where it inhabits dry spiny thicket and dry degraded thicket from sea level up to 499 meters elevation. Alluaudia ascendens is found in the open upper canopy of the thickets, in association with the baobab Adansonia za, Alluaudia procera, Operculicarya decaryi, Commiphora aprevalii, and Tetrapterocarpon geayi.

Ecology

Alluaudia ascendens is pollinated by bats. Verreaux's sifaka, a native lemur, consumes its flowers.