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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Madagascar

In Madagascar, you can find Asian Rice, Tropical almond, Madagascar periwinkle, Indian shot, Song of india, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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Most Common Plants
Asian Rice
1. Asian Rice
Asian Rice is one of the world's most important staple crops. This annual grass, which was first domesticated in China centuries ago, accounts for a significant portion of the diet of half of the world's population. Aside from food, this plant is grown for use in wines, medicines, and cosmetics. It is also used in crafts and religious ceremonies worldwide.
Tropical almond
2. Tropical almond
Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.
Madagascar periwinkle
3. Madagascar periwinkle
The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.
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Indian shot
4. Indian shot
Despite its name, indian shot is a flowering perennial plant native to Central and South America. It has been naturalized in other parts of the world and has become a popular garden plant known for its large decorative leaves, fiery red blooms, and ease of cultivation. It is a traditional minor food for indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Song of india
5. Song of india
The song of india has distinctive leaves that stay green year-round. The plant's unique appearance and low-maintenance nature make it popular as a houseplant. The song of india is native to Indian Ocean islands including Madagascar, though not, oddly, to India itself.
Tamarind
6. Tamarind
Tamarind is a monotypic perennial tree grown for its timber and edible fruits. Tamarind trees yield brown seed fruits with a sweet, acidic pulp used in various varieties of cuisines around the world. The pulp is also used as a metal polish.
Golden trumpet
7. Golden trumpet
Golden trumpet (Allamanda cathartica) is a plant species native to Brazil. Golden trumpet is mentioned in Flora Brasiliensis. It is the official flower of Canovanas, Puerto Rico. If this plant is not pruned, it can grow to a height of 6 m.
Crown of thorns
8. Crown of thorns
The Euphorbia milii is commonly known as the crown of thorns or Christ thorn, as it is believed to the plant associated with the crown of thorns that was worn by Christ. It needs to stay above 10 ℃ with full sun.
Mango tree
9. Mango tree
Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.
Common lantana
10. Common lantana
The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.
Heart of jesus
11. Heart of jesus
The heart of jesus is a poisonous leafy plant. Its paper-thin, heart-shaped leaves lend the plant its common nickname, along with names like "angel wings" and "elephant ear." Though native to South America, its primary hub of cultivation is now around Lake Placid, Florida, where it has become a popular centerpiece for an annual festival.
Fiji arrowroot
12. Fiji arrowroot
Fiji arrowroot (Tacca leontopetaloides) is a starchy relative of the yam. Its bast fibers from the stems can be woven to create mats and the roots' stach functions as laundry starch. Noted that its tubers may be toxic if it is not properly handled.
Paperflower
13. Paperflower
The paperflower is commonly used as an outdoor ornamental plant and thrives in warm climates. The genus Bougainvillea glabra is the official flower of many places, including Guam, Pingtung, Ipoh, Tagbilaran, San Clemente, Guangzhou, and Naha.
Guava
14. Guava
Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.
Woman's tongue
15. Woman's tongue
Woman's tongue (Albizia lebbeck) is a deciduous tree that can grow to 30 m tall. It has a rounded canopy and gray, rough, cork-like bark. Blooms in spring with greenish yellow flowers. Produces long hanging seed pods. Invades pine lands and hammocks, disrupting the natural flora and fauna. The wood is naturally termite resistant and is often used in furniture making.
Ylang ylang
16. Ylang ylang
From the fragrant flowers of the ylang ylang (*Cananga odorata*) is extracted an essential oil used in many perfumes and once popular in men's hair oil. Its scent is strongest at night to attract pollinating nocturnal moths. In Indonesia, the beds of newlyweds are adorned with ylang ylang flowers. In the Philippines, the flowers are made into necklaces used to adorn religious images.
Common bean
17. Common bean
Common bean is one of the most widely produced cash crops in the world, with 23.6 million tons grown in 2016. China is the largest producer of common bean, accounting for 79% of the market share. While common bean is known as a staple food source, the leaves can be used to trap bedbugs and the beans are widely used in a type of fortune-telling called "pharmancy".
Centro
18. Centro
Centro (Centrosema pubescens) is a legume grown commercially in many tropical climates as a forage crop. The plant contains large quantities of calcium, potassium, and protein. A particularly useful feature of this crop is that it spreads in dense vines that choke out potentially invasive weds.
Bismarck Palm
19. Bismarck Palm
Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia nobilis) is a palm species native to Africa. Bismarck Palm grows well in clay soil in full sunlight. This species is often cultivated as an ornamental palm for landscaping.
Plumed cockscomb
20. Plumed cockscomb
The plumed cockscomb is a bright plant with recognizable red, pink, or purple flowers. It grows best in warm, tropical environments. Occasionally, plumed cockscomb is used as an ingredient in soap. In China and India, however, the plant is considered a pesky weed that reduces biodiversity.
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More Plants in Madagascar

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Madagascar's diverse environments, from rainforests to arid spiny deserts, offer a range of habitats that support unique flora, including potentially toxic species. Factors such as high endemism, varied climate zones, and evolutionary isolation contribute to the presence of toxic plants like , , and . While not pervasive, these plants pose ecological risks that merit attention, highlighting the island's delicate balance between biodiversity and human activity.

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Most Common Flowers

Madagascar's unique climate and soil provide an ideal environment for a diverse range of native flowers. Among them are , , and , known for their resplendent beauty and ecological significance. These flowers add vibrant colors and enchanting fragrances to the region, while also serving as important symbols of Madagascar's rich biodiversity. From delicate tropical blooms to towering palm trees, the country's flora captivates both locals and visitors alike.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

With the arrival of Spring, Madagascar witnesses a climatic metamorphosis that awakens its flora. This season brims with burgeoning life, as , , and unfurl their petals. These blooms not only add a splash of vibrancy to the landscape but also serve as symbols of new beginnings and the island's unique biodiversity, which captivates botanists and tourists alike.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Madagascar brings a vibrant burst of life, as mild temperatures and gentle rains awaken the fertile landscape. This is a time when , , and reach their peak, offering fresh, juicy fruits synonymous with the season’s spirit of renewal. Locals and wildlife alike savor these gifts, which are integral to both the island's diet and its cultural heritage. The harvest of these fruits marks a period of abundance and celebration.

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Most Common Fruits

Madagascar's diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to dry deciduous forests, offer unique climatic and fertile soil conditions ideal for fruit cultivation. Prominent local fruit plants, including , , and , not only thrive but carry significant cultural importance. Their utilizations in traditional culinary practices and ceremonial functions underscore their value. Madagascar's dedicated conservation efforts ensure these native fruits remain integral to both biodiversity and cultural heritage.

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Most Common Trees

Madagascar's climate and soil conditions provide a conducive environment for the growth of native trees. Three emblematic trees in this territory include , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within the region. They contribute to the biodiversity of Madagascar's unique ecosystems and provide resources for local communities. With accurate and credible sources, this summary highlights the importance of these trees in the island's rich environmental heritage.

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Most Common Weeds

Madagascar's tropical climate, marked by a rainy season and a dry season, proves to be a suitable breeding ground for hardy garden weeds. Among them, , , and dominate green spaces, often outcompeting native species. These pervasive weeds present challenges for gardeners who strive to maintain the rich biodiversity of the region. Employing both manual and biological control methods is key in managing their spread and preserving Madagascar’s unique ecological balance.

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Most Common Tall Trees

The island of Madagascar, a realm of diverse microclimates and variegated terrains—from dense rainforests to dry deciduous regions—nurtures an array of prodigious arboreal giants. Amidst these, , , and soar towards the heavens, epitomizing the island's botanical grandeur. These titans not only capture the imagination with their lofty reach but also serve as vital pillars in the ecological narrative, resonating through their enduring presence in Madagascar's natural history.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Madagascar may be cold and serene, but it is also a surprising haven for certain flowers. Amidst the frost, , , and bravely blossom, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These winter flowers not only add color to the chilling landscape but also serve as symbols of strength and hope.

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