Alluaudia procera (family Didiereaceae) spines and leaves. The fleshy leaves of this desert dwelling tree store water, allowing it to survive in dry conditions. They are surrounded by sharp thorny spines. The extra large spines which are found on the trees are thought to have deterred the now extinct Elephant bird (Aepyornis maximus). Photographed at the Spiny Forest in Ifaty, Madagascar.