Pachypodium Lamerei "Halfmens" 19cmPot

Botanical Name: Pachypodium lamerei

Common Names: Madagascar Palm, Spiny Palm, Pachypodium Palm

📌 Product Description

Pachypodium lamerei is a striking succulent tree known for its thick, spiny trunk and crown of long, narrow green leaves. Despite its common name, it is not a true palm but a member of the Apocynaceae family, closely related to plumeria.

The plant develops a tall, swollen trunk covered with sharp spines, giving it a dramatic architectural appearance. Mature plants may produce beautiful white, fragrant flowers during the warm season, adding ornamental appeal.

Highly valued as a statement plant, the Madagascar Palm is ideal for containers, succulent gardens, and modern landscapes across South Africa, particularly in warm, frost-free regions.

⚠ Note: The milky sap is toxic and can irritate skin.

📏 Size When Fully Grown

Height: 3 – 6 m outdoors (smaller in containers)
Spread: 1 – 2 m
Growth Habit: Upright succulent tree with swollen trunk
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

🌱 Best Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun (essential for strong growth)
Soil: Very well-draining sandy or succulent soil mix
Water:

• Water moderately during active growth
• Allow soil to dry between watering
• Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy

Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.

Feeding: Apply a diluted balanced fertiliser during spring and summer to encourage healthy growth.

Maintenance:

• Minimal maintenance required
• Remove old leaves as they drop
• Handle carefully due to sharp spines
• Protect from frost

🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

Best Planting Time: Spring to early summer
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Dormancy: Winter (may drop leaves in cooler conditions)
Climate Suitability: Ideal for warm, frost-free and coastal regions of South Africa
Frost Tolerance: Sensitive to frost; protect in cold inland regions

🌼 Additional Benefits

• Dramatic architectural plant
• Excellent container specimen
• Drought tolerant once established
• Long-lived succulent tree
• Suitable for modern and succulent landscapes

🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Feature container plant
✔ Succulent gardens
✔ Modern landscape focal point
✔ Courtyard specimen
✔ Collector’s plant