Scientific Name
Pachypodium rosulatum Baker
Common Name(s)
Elephant's Foot Plant, Cactus Pachypodium
Synonym(s)
Pachypodium rosulatum subsp. rosulatum, Pachypodium drakei
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Apocynoideae
Tribe: Malouetieae
Genus: Pachypodium
Description
Pachypodium rosulatum is a shrubby caudiciform plant with a brownish-silver and almost spineless bottle-shaped trunk that grows up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall and up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The caudex departs many thorny cylindrical arms, forming an up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall shrub. Leaves, which fall in the dry season, form a rosette at the top of the branches. They are dark green, oblanceolate, ovate or elliptical, and petiolated. The long-stalked flowers are sulfur-yellow and form an up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall inflorescence.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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. Therefore, it is 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 absolutely necessary, but the sunlight should not be shielded by natural view protection. A Pachypodium with a lack of light will wither, its branches will be weak and appear "lean," and the leaves will be too big and soft. Over time the 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, you shouldn't fall below a minimum temperature of 59° F (15° C) during the rest period.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pachypodium.
Origin
This species is native to Madagascar.
Subspecies
Links
- Back to genus Pachypodium
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
