Adorned with a thorny stalk and thin, textured leaves, this cactus-like succulent can grow up to be up to six feet! Just as the name implies, the Madagascar Palm is native to the tropical regions of southern Madagascar. It is not, however a palm at all but a euphorbia!

The Euphorbia genus is one of the most morphologically diverse in the houseplant world. They’re often mistaken for cacti, although they can be leafy or bare, shrublike or columnar, towering or compact. Most will need at least some direct sun to stay happy, and many will thrive with full exposure. Like cacti and other succulents they enjoy being pot-bound, tend to be drought tolerant, and are more prone to over- than under-watering. All Euphorbia have a sticky, milky white sap that can irritate skin and can be very dangerous if ingested or exposed to the eyes. In the outdoor plant world, Euphorbia are more commonly known as spurges.