MADAGASCAR PALM

Scientific Name: Pachypodium spp. (around 16 species)

Common Names: Madagascar Palm

Description:

Pachypodium is a genus of succulent plants native to Madagascar and southern Africa. They are known for their unique appearance, often featuring a swollen caudex (water storage organ) at the base and succulent leaves.

Size: Species vary greatly in size. Some are small shrubs reaching 1-2 meters (3.3-6.6 feet) tall, while others can grow into small trees reaching 8 meters (26 feet) or more.

Leaves: Can be spiny or smooth, succulent, and vary in shape depending on the species.

Flowers: Showy and trumpet-shaped, appearing in clusters or solitary blooms.

Fruit: Produces long, slender pods containing numerous seeds. Caution: The seeds of some Pachypodium species can be toxic, so be aware if you have children or pets.

Uses: Popular for their unique appearance and interesting growth habits. Grown as:

• Container plants indoors.
• Accent plants in gardens with warm climates.
• Bonsai: Some species can be trained and styled as bonsai due to their slow growth and ability to develop a caudex.