Madagascar Palm Pachypodium lamerei 10 Seeds

Pachypodium lamerei, commonly known as the Madagascar palm, is a striking succulent from the Apocynaceae family. Despite its common name, it is not a true palm but a member of the Pachypodium genus. Here's a detailed description:

Appearance: Pachypodium lamerei is known for its unique, cactus-like form with a swollen, trunk-like base and long, narrow, spiny leaves. The trunk can become quite thick and fleshy, resembling a palm or a small tree.

Trunk: The trunk is typically gray or brownish and covered with prominent, conical spines. It serves as a water storage organ, which helps the plant survive in dry conditions.

Leaves: The leaves are long, narrow, and lance-shaped, usually green, and can grow up to about 12 inches long. They are arranged in a rosette at the top of the trunk. The leaves can be quite striking, with a glossy surface that contrasts with the spiny trunk.

Flowers: Pachypodium lamerei produces fragrant, tubular flowers that are white to pale pink. They are grouped in clusters and bloom from the apex of the plant. The flowering period is typically in the spring and summer.

Growth Habit: This plant grows slowly and can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) or more in ideal conditions. In cultivation, it is often kept smaller through pot confinement.

Habitat: Native to Madagascar, Pachypodium lamerei is adapted to a tropical climate with dry periods. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires plenty of sunlight.

Care: In cultivation, it prefers bright, direct light and needs a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Growing instructions for the Madagascar Palm

1. The seeds like sandy, well-drained soil. Fill a pot with moist cactus mix or used a mixture of sand and peat moss, perlite or vermiculite. Use a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom. 2. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil. 3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. 3. Water the soil with a mister or by placing the pot in a saucer of water. The soil will absorb the water. 4. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in indirect sun or part shade. 5. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.