Caudiciforms, fat-plants or pachycauls are contemporary terms which describe plants with swollen stems.  Almost all are succulents; all develop bulbous roots in which they store food for later times.  Before now, the roots of most of these plants would seldom be seen above ground.  Today, encouraged by progressive nurseries and ambitious collectors, plants with conspicuous caudexes are exhibited almost like works of art.  Yet there is no universal agreement which plants are caudiciforms, but most accept that the presence of enlarged roots above or below the ground, presents a strong case for inclusion.  Generally, southern Africa, Madagascar and the Middle East are principal exporters of these plants.  But as their popularity increases more and more home grown produced plants are emerging.

adansonia digitata

adenia globosa

adenium somalense

bursera microphylla

cyphostemma juttae

euphorbia obesa

fatplant1

fatplants2

UNCARINAS

Uncarinas are still not well known plants, and yet they are probably the best examples of the new generation succulent caudiciforms.  They are classified in the Pedaliaceae group, and is significant because they are the only one that is exclusive to Madagascar.   Still, because of their attractive foliage and  spectacular flowers, they stand a chance of  becoming a notable trend in fat-plants.  Their attractiveness is enhanced because they will flourish in any pseudo- tropical environment. Of the twelve species, the Uncarina grandidieri is easily the best known.  But others like U. peltata and U. decaryi are already catching up.  There is still an identity problem when trying to name plants, but with increasing access to commercial nurseries the problem of identifying plants should soon be solved.  Below are ten photos which demonstrate easily why uncarinas are so attractive.