Despite the name, this Madagascar native is no palm at all, but a stem succulent hiding behind the palm name. Its stout, silvery trunk swells to store water against drought, armored the whole way up in dense, dagger-like spines, which act as a defense as much as a signature. From the crown, a spray of long, glossy leaves unfurls, giving the plant its palm-like silhouette and a sculptural, otherworldly presence in any landscape. Healthy specimens send up fragrant white blooms, a soft contrast to their thorned, prehistoric frame. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and unmistakably exotic, Pachypodium lamerei is a conversation piece as much as a plant.
P. lamerei is best grown in warm climates with full sun. It will not tolerate frosts. Provided that it receives ample sunlight, the succulent can also be grown indoors, although this makes flowering rare.
Our inventory consists of several dozen in 15-20 gallon pots that range from one to over 12 feet. Our most mature specimens are 15 years old.
