Pachypodium lamerei
Also known as: Madagascar palm
The Madagascar palm (not a palm): a thick silver spined trunk topped with a rosette of narrow leaves. It belongs to the Pachypodium genus, stays around Trunk 1–4 m, and tolerates USDA 10b–12; keep above 10 °C, dry. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Pachypodium
- Origin: Madagascar
- Mature size: Trunk 1–4 m
- Hardiness: USDA 10b–12; keep above 10 °C, dry
- Toxicity: ⚠️ Spines sharp; sap mildly irritating
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Pachypodium
- Origin
- Madagascar
- Mature size
- Trunk 1–4 m
- Growth habit
- Thick spined silver trunk with a crown of narrow leaves
- Leaf colour
- Silver trunk with paired spines and narrow green crown leaves
- Flower colour
- White creamy flowers (mature plants)
- Hardiness
- USDA 10b–12; keep above 10 °C, dry
- Toxicity
- ⚠️ Spines sharp; sap mildly irritating
- Other names
- Madagascar palm
About the Pachypodium lamerei
The Madagascar palm (not a palm): a thick silver spined trunk topped with a rosette of narrow leaves. Winter dormancy drops all leaves — that is normal. Full sun, gritty mix, dry rest.
Care and cultivation
Madagascar caudex trees: thick water-storing trunk, spined stems. Full sun, gritty mix, winter dry rest with leaf drop — that is normal dormancy. Light: Full sun. Water: Weekly in growth; dry and cool in winter (drops leaves). Soil: Gritty mix with pumice.
Description
Pachypodium lamerei is a Pachypodium succulent from Madagascar. The Madagascar palm (not a palm): a thick silver spined trunk topped with a rosette of narrow leaves. Winter dormancy drops all leaves — that is normal. Full sun, gritty mix, dry rest.
Identification
Key identification features: Silver trunk with paired spines and narrow green crown leaves leaves in a Thick spined silver trunk with a crown of narrow leaves form, reaching Trunk 1–4 m. Also known as Madagascar palm. Nickname: 'Madagascar palm'. Nickname: 'Madagascar palm'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Pachypodium lamerei?
Weekly in growth; dry and cool in winter (drops leaves). Let the soil dry completely between waterings and reduce water in winter.
Is Pachypodium lamerei toxic to pets?
⚠️ Spines sharp; sap mildly irritating. Considered safe around pets.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Pachypodium lamerei, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.