Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium lamerei): Spiny Succulent Tree

Madagascar palm (Pachypodium lamerei) is a striking succulent tree with a thick, spiny, silver-gray trunk topped by a crown of long, narrow, glossy green leaves. Despite its name, it is not a palm but a member of the dogbane family, related to adenium and oleander.

Form

The trunk stores water and is covered in stout, paired spines. In the ground, it can reach 15–20 feet; in containers, it stays smaller (4–6 feet). Mature plants produce fragrant, white, frangipani-like flowers with yellow centers in summer. The leaves drop in winter or during drought.

Care

Full sun, excellent drainage (cactus mix). Water deeply but infrequently; reduce watering when leafless. Protect from frost (zones 10–11). Fertilize lightly in spring. The spines make handling tricky—use thick gloves.

Taxonomy

• Family: Apocynaceae
• Genus: Pachypodium
• Species: lamerei