Pachypodium

Pachypodium is a group of less than 20 species of caudiciform succulents, the majority from Madagascar and some from southern Africa. Most are shrubs, but a few will form trees, up to 20 feet tall (6 m). They are related to the genus Adenium, the main difference being the fact that their branches and trunks are covered with strong spines. The name Pachypodium comes from the Greek for 'thick foot', in relation to the fact that most species are caudiciform, and have a bottle-shaped trunk.

The flowers form only on mature plants, that might be 10 years old or more.

They are propagated by seeds in spring or summer.

Species and varieties
Pachypodium champenoisianum (Madagascar Palm) synonym of Pachypodium lamerei
Pachypodium geayi
Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm)
Pachypodium menabeum (Madagascar Palm) synonym of Pachypodium lamerei
Pachypodium ramosum (Madagascar Palm) synonym of Pachypodium lamerei

© 2004 Philippe Faucon, All Rights Reserved.