Madascarian native son Pachypodium Lamerii is a good example of the strange and unique varieties of wildlife, both animal and plantlife, that have developed on this isolated island kingdom. His basic aspect is somewhat like a palm tree with a dark green to deep grey trunk and a bunch of leaves at the top but the similarity stops there. The trunk is completely covered in a million sharp spines closely spaced in a precise pattern all sticking straight out, he really doesn't want to be touched. (Maybe it tastes good). The leaf crowd at the top of the trunk is leathery, green, long, lance-shape leaves spraying out sideways in all directions, with a milky white sap running through their veins. Mostly single trunks will encourage a baby trunk or two from the base but often he goes solo, up to an astounding 20' outside in Madagascar or your warm garden in full sun, but will keep to a nice, orderly 5-6' inside, and slowly. He's rarely branching, but will sometimes go right ahead and split off into a few, angular, thick tree-like branches with sprays of the most surprising, big, purest white (sometimes other colors) very fragrant flowers, being related to of all things, Plumerias and Wax plants, known for their lovely blooms. Each bloom is made up of a few big, white petals all with their points sometimes gently pointing vaguely counterclockwise with a little yellow dot in the center. They are visited by day by insects and butterflies and by night by big moths spreading their pollen far and wide.
- Drought Tolerant
- Low Maintenance
Quick Care Guide:
- Water - Low (1): Needs very little water to survive. Wait until the plant is completely dry then fully soak. Drought tolerant by nature.
- Light - High (5): Plant needs a lot of light; direct is even better. These plants do best when placed on a window sill or next to a bright window. Avoid concentrated, hot light from window which may cause burning (magnifying glass effect).
- Difficulty - Low (1): These plants need barely any attention to thrive. Set it and forget it.