Scientific Name
Pachypodium rutenbergianum Vatke
Common Name(s)
Horombe Clubfoot, Yellow Bell Pachypodium
Synonym(s)
Pachypodium rosulatum var. horombense
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Apocynoideae
Tribe: Malouetieae
Genus: Pachypodium
Description
Pachypodium horombense is a succulent plant with a short, fat trunk surmounted with numerous thick, spiny branches. It can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The leaves are elliptic to narrowly oblong, measure up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and whorled at the branch tips. They are deep green with a cream-colored midvein and have felted undersides.
From late spring into summer, slender stalks rise above the leafy branch tips, each bearing a cluster of 4 to 11 yellow, bell-shaped flowers.
Unless in flower, this species is difficult to distinguish from Pachypodium rosulatum.
Origin
Pachypodium horombense is native to Madagascar. It grows mainly on bare gneiss rocks in full sun between Ihosy and Antanimora at elevations between 1,640 and 3,280 feet (500 and 1,000 m).
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The three parameters of light, temperature, and watering are closely linked: you should not change one without the other two. It is, therefore, important to note that the balance of these three parameters determines the good or bad health of their plant. Pachypodiums need much light because they originally grow under full sun in tropical countries. Direct sunlight is not necessary, but the sunlight should not be shielded by natural view protection. A Pachypodium lacking light will wither, its branches will be weak and appear "lean," and the leaves will be too big and soft. Over time, Pachypodium will be susceptible to disease and fungus, and the plant will eventually die.
The temperature can be very high, as in the habitats in Madagascar and South Africa in the summer. However, the minimum temperature is much more important for growing Pachypodiums because it triggers the rest. For most Pachypodiums, the minimum temperature is about 55° F (13° C), but it depends very much on the moisture of the substrate. The drier the substrate, the lower temperatures are possible. Ideally, it shouldn't fall below a minimum temperature of 59° F (15° C) during the dormancy.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pachypodium.
Links
- Back to genus Pachypodium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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