Pachypodium lamerei | Madagascar Palm
€26,50
🌱 Morphology
A succulent, columnar tree with a thick, fleshy, fusiform trunk, particularly widened towards the base. In mature specimens, it can exceed 6 m in height and develop a trunk of large diameter. The bark is silvery-gray and covered with clusters of robust spines.
The spines generally appear in groups of three, arranged in a triangular pattern on the leaf scars. The leaves are concentrated towards the ends of the branches, forming a crown that superficially resembles a palm tree, although the species is not related to Arecaceae. They are long, narrow, dark green, and can reach about 40 cm in length.
As the lower leaves age and drop, they leave the leaf scars and spines visible, accentuating the characteristic spiny-column appearance. The trunk and thickened roots function as water storage organs, allowing the plant to survive periods of drought.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Family Apocynaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar, with a distribution in the south-central and southern parts of the island. Kew classifies it as a semi-succulent shrub or tree primarily native to the seasonally dry tropical biome.
It is part of various types of dry vegetation in Madagascar, including dry forests, scrublands, and rocky environments. The species has a relatively broad distribution within the Malagasy Pachypodium, extending from western regions to the south of the island.
Its appearance resembles a palm tree, but this is a remarkable evolutionary convergence: the succulent trunk, apical canopy, and the loss of lower leaves create a similar silhouette despite there being no relationship to palm trees.
❄️ Temperature
USDA Zone 10a–11b. It tolerates minimum temperatures down to −1 ºC, only as a brief reference for well-acclimated and completely dry specimens.
It is a cold-sensitive species and especially vulnerable when low temperatures coincide with moisture in the substrate. The French National Museum of Natural History notes that it is completely intolerant of frost, while the Botanical Garden of the University of Malaga indicates that adult specimens can occasionally withstand cold when dry, although frost can cause damage to the apex and subsequently promote rot.
During winter, it is recommended to keep it protected and drastically reduce watering, especially if temperatures drop.
☀️ Lighting
Guideline DLI PAR: 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹.
It requires very high light levels and grows best in direct sun. Intense radiation promotes compact growth, the formation of a robust trunk, and a good canopy structure.
Specimens grown under protection must be gradually acclimated to direct sun. In summer, it can be kept outdoors when temperatures are suitable and there is excellent air circulation.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
It is a species adapted to a seasonally dry tropical climate, where it alternates favorable periods for growth with phases of lower water availability.
During vegetative activity, it produces leaves and new shoots. When the unfavorable period arrives, it may lose a significant part of its foliage and reduce its activity, using the reserves stored in the trunk and roots.
During active growth, it is recommended to water abundantly and let the substrate dry out completely before the next watering. The frequency should be adjusted according to temperature, light, and container size.
When it begins to lose its leaves, watering should be gradually spaced out. During the cold period and with reduced activity, it should be kept virtually dry.
Leaf drop does not necessarily imply a problem; it is a strategy to reduce transpiration when water availability decreases.
🌸 Flowering
The flowers appear in terminal inflorescences located at the ends of the branches and are produced mainly on mature specimens.
They are large, approximately 8 cm in diameter, with five white petals and a yellow central throat. In addition to being striking, they are intensely fragrant. The Botanical Garden of the University of Malaga confirms this combination of white flowers, yellow center, and perfume.
Flowering occurs mainly during the warm months. In Spain, it can be expected approximately between June and September, although the timing may vary depending on temperature, lighting, and the specimen's dormancy cycle.
After fertilization, elongated fruits develop containing numerous seeds.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied after watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.
Fertilizing is not recommended during dormancy, while the plant remains leafless, or when temperatures are low.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
S -> 9cm x 9cm
M-> 14cm x 14 cm
L->16cm x 16 cm
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the shipped specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant's dimensions, but this can also vary slightly because, after all, it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
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