It looks like a bloom stalk of some type of succulent. Try posting on the cacti/succulent forum and see if anyone recognizes it.

that is the flower stalk of an agave....without seeing the leaves you can not id the species

oh my, thank you. Now that I know it's an agave I've googled it and see the situation! (that it is not a tree) --

thanks a lot!

Definately an agave. They grow all over the medditeranean and are also common just about anywhere where its dry (with moderate tempertures).If you want one in your area all an agave called Parrys agave can survive the winter outdoors all year long if kept dry and in the ground. They are rarely tried on the east coast of the USA because of the rainfall especially in the winter months. Most cant handle the cold, but Parrys agave can handle temperatures as low as -10F.