Madagascar Palm

Location

Cactus & Succulent Garden

Pachypodium lamerei

  • Common Name: Madagascar Palm
  • Scientific Name: Pachypodium lamerei (pak-uh-PO-dee-um) (la-MER-ee-eye)
  • Family Name: Apocynaceae (a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee)
  • Origin: Madagascar
  • Height: 10-15 ft.
  • Width: 6 ft.
  • Growth: Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone, can be grown as an annual
  • Zone: 9A – 11
  • Light Needs: Full Sun – Partial Shade
  • Salt Tolerance:  moderately salt tolerant
  • Soil/PH/Texture: 6.1 – 7.8 (mildly acidic to mildly alkaline)
  • Soil Moisture: Dry Mesic
  • Drought Tolerance: Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
  • Pests/Diseases: unknown
  • Growing Conditions: Tree/Cactus/Succulent
  • Characteristics: Foliage: Deciduous, Foliage Color: Blue-Green, Bloom Color: White/Near White, Bloom Time: Late Winter through Early Fall, Perennial Leaves: Deciduous, Fruit: Dehiscent, Flowers: Showy, Flowers are terminal; plant branches after flowering, Flower Color: White, Underground structures: Taproot, Toxicity: when skin is pierced by the spikes, some people can get a nasty reaction.
  • Propagation: From herbaceous stem cuttings, Allow cut surface to callous over before planting, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, Seed Collecting: Bag seed heads to capture ripening seed, Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds, Allow seed heads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds, Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible, Spacing: 36-48 in. Propagation: Seeds: Provide light, self-fertile, start indoors, can handle transplanting, Propagation: Cuttings: Stem
  • Wildlife: unknown
  • Facts: All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Plant away from foot traffic because its spines are extremely sharp.  Keep away from areas of activity, walkways, or areas where someone could get stabbed.
  • Designer Considerations: Container plant for a sunny spot. Standalone specimen, Patio/Ornamental/Small Tree, Xeriscape, Flowering Tree, Suitable in 3 gallon or larger, Needs excellent drainage in pots.
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