What is this plant? How can one tell if it is dead(or not dead)?

Question

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26797104@N04/?donelayout=1

Answer 1

yea, it's dead...it's all black...very funny.

Answer 2

Looks dead to me

Answer 3

You have what appears to be a succulent from southern Africa.  It is a little hard to tell from the photo but it could be a type of Aloe, Pachypodium or something related.  A site that sells this type of plant is Shoal Creek Succulents (www.shoalcreeksucculents.com) in Arizona.  Look in the "Caudiciforms" and "Specimen" sections of the web site. These plants are adapted to very dry habitats and the bulbous bottom helps store water for the dry periods.   The leaves are probably grey-green in color.  If it turns brown and rots then its dead.