Scientific Name
Pachypodium rosulatum subsp. gracilius (H.Perrier) Lüthy
Common Names
Elephant's Foot Plant
Synonyms
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 up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. It is smaller than Pachypodium rosulatum and has fewer and thinner leaves, slimmer branches and a shorter corolla tube. The branches are reddish-brown, up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) in diameter and up to 2 feet (60 cm) long. The spines are paired and about 0.2 inch (0.5 cm) long. The 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 on top of a peduncle up to 16 inches (40 cm) long.
Photo via isladelpescado.com
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. They are definitely not suitable for cold or damp gardens and are very sensitive to frost. 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 together 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 they are 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 the size of the specimen. 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
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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