Operculicarya decaryi

The Operculicarya decaryi, also known as the False Japanese Pepper Tree, is a tree native to Madagascar, distinguished by its very distinctive silhouette. It forms a massive and swollen trunk, topped with irregular branching and small-sized foliage, all adaptations to the aridity of its native environment. Growing quite slowly, it forms small trees of a few meters in height, with some mature specimens occasionally exceeding 10m (33ft). In most regions it will be easy to cultivate in a pot or container, as it is not hardy enough to withstand winter conditions. Being well-suited to pruning, it can be trained into a highly decorative bonsai, and can be placed in the sun during the summer.

Despite its resemblance to a baobab, the Operculicarya decaryi belongs to a different family, the Anacardiaceae, like the Cotinus in our gardens, or the mango tree in the tropics. It grows in the south and southwest of Madagascar, in a natural area of about 350 km², in dry forests where water is present in the subsoil. 37 populations of this species have been identified, at altitudes ranging from sea level to approximately 1000m (3281ft). This plant generally reaches a height of 8 to 9m (26 to 29ft), with a crown about 6m (20ft) wide. The swollen trunk, cylindrical or slightly conical in shape, can reach up to 1m (3ft) in diameter. This caudex allows it to store water, which in this species constitutes 80% of the trunk's mass, enabling it to withstand periods of drought. The gray, rough bark is completely swollen, giving it a very strange appearance.

It produces short branches that grow in a zigzag pattern, with a crown that is sometimes conical, sometimes more spread out, in a rather irregular and asymmetrical manner. The leaves are compound, odd-pinnate, usually consisting of 5 or 7 pairs of lateral leaflets and one terminal leaflet. Measuring only 3 to 6cm (1 to 2in) in length, these dark green leaves are shiny and lighter green on the underside. Their small surface area and the protective cuticle that gives them their shiny appearance are adaptations to drought. The plant's transpiration is therefore minimized.

This tree is dioecious, meaning that there are male and female plants. In both cases, the plants produce very small flowers, about 2mm (1in) in size, with a reddish-brown color, very inconspicuous and without ornamental interest. Generally solitary, they appear in February. The female flowers then develop into small fleshy drupes, about 5 to 6mm (1in) in size. Being almost intolerant to frost, and suffering as soon as temperatures approach 5°C, it must be grown in a pot even in the mildest areas. The characteristics of this plant, particularly its imposing trunk and miniature foliage, make it an excellent subject for bonsai. Although its growth is slow, fortunately it quickly forms a decorative swollen trunk. The branches, on the other hand, lignify slowly, but the dimensions of the leaves are perfect for creating an aesthetic plant from the early years.

With its characteristic elephant tree silhouette, the Operculicarya decaryi will enhance your interior during winter and decorate your terrace during the summer, giving it an exotic touch. Its desert plant appearance will perfectly complement a candle cactus, such as the Vatricania guentheri, which you can also grow in a pot to create a beautiful scene alongside it. Aloes will also be good companions, with their graphic shapes and stunning flowering. A beautiful purple Aeonium, such as the small Aeonium arboreum Du Rozzen, with its overlapping geometric rosettes, will pleasantly complete this tableau.