Scientific Name
Pachypodium rosulatum subsp. gracilius (H.Perrier) Lüthy
Common Name(s)
Elephant's Foot Plant
Synonym(s)
Pachypodium gracilius, Pachypodium rosulatum var. gracilius
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Apocynoideae
Tribe: Malouetieae
Genus: Pachypodium
Description
Pachypodium rosulatum subsp. gracilius is a beautiful caudiciform plant that can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height. It is smaller than Pachypodium rosulatum subsp. rosulatum and has fewer and thinner leaves, slimmer branches, and a shorter corolla tube. The branches are reddish-brown, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The spines are paired and about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long. Leaves are dark green, up to 4.4 inches (11 cm) long, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are bright yellow and appear on top of an up to 16 inches (40 cm) long peduncle.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The attractive flowers of Pachypodiums and the intriguing shapes of their swollen stems make them desirable for any garden. However, they are not suitable for cold or damp gardens and very sensitive to frost. Therefore, if planted in a warm garden that experiences occasional frost, they should be given a warm, sheltered position.
They make good accent plants in a rock garden, especially when grouped with other caudiciform succulent plants. All need full sun, lots of water (except during the dormant phase), and must have good drainage.
Almost all species are surprisingly adaptable to cultivation, changing their growing season when grown in the northern hemisphere.
These plants like ample light and grow best in full sun. Partial shade is tolerated but may discourage flowering. When grown in a glasshouse, ventilation is important. Ample water is required during the growing season, depending on the species and specimen size. Allow the soil to dry out before adding more water, then soak it thoroughly, and never (even in winter) allow the soil to bake dry.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pachypodium.
Origin
Pachypodium rosulatum subsp. gracilius is native to Madagascar.
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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