This proverb refers to the Tatamo, a typically thorny plant from the Malagasy region. Comparing a situation or role to this plant signifies that it is arduous and delicate. In today’s context, this can apply to those who act as mediators in a dispute or difficult negotiation. An equivalent English proverb would be ‘To be between a rock and a hard place’, meaning being in a tricky situation where care must be taken to avoid making matters worse.