Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm)

Native to Madagascar, Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm) is an impressive semi-deciduous or deciduous succulent shrub or small tree. Although commonly called Madagascar Palm, it is not related to true palms. Its thick, spiny, cigar-shaped trunk is topped with a cluster of strap-shaped, glossy green leaves to 1 feet long (30 cm). As it grows older, the base becomes fat and swollen. Branching starts only after the first flowering which can be expected once the plant reaches 5 ft. (150 cm). Mature plants (10 years) may bloom in summer, bearing fragrant, saucer-shaped white flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), with golden-yellow throats. They are followed by seed pods that look like bananas, up to 8 in. long (20 cm). Madagascar palm can be grown outdoors year-round in mild-winter areas. Elsewhere, it can be raised in a container and summered outside or grown exclusively as a houseplant.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 10-20 ft. tall (3-6 m) and 3-8 ft. wide (90-240 cm).
• Easily grown in sandy or gravelly, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. From late spring to early autumn, water moderately and apply a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer every 4-5 weeks. Keep dry at other times. Drought tolerant.
• Great for succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Lovely in decorative containers too.
• Propagate by seed at 66-75°F (19-24°C), or take stem-tip cuttings, in late spring.
• Virtually disease free. Watch for aphids.
• Native to Madagascar.