Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm)
Madagascar Palm, Club Foot
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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 11 |
Plant Type | Cactus - Succulents, Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 10' – 20' (3m – 6m) |
Spread | 3' – 8' (90cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Amvi Jovasm Simona Pavan, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 11 |
Plant Type | Cactus - Succulents, Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 10' – 20' (3m – 6m) |
Spread | 3' – 8' (90cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |