Pachypodium saundersii – Kudu Lily

Description Pachypodiums are types of ‘Madagascar Palms’, although this species does not get large like the P. lamerii. They produce fat trunks that are very unusual in shape and color. They do have thorns on the trunk and branches, although the P. saundersii doesn’t have many and/or are not as sharp as other species. The leaves are small, green, narrow and they fully drop in the winter time. New foliage sprouts back in the spring. This species produces white flowers with a touch of pink which are quite lovely especially for this weird looking plant. Pachypodiums like to be grown outside in full sun and require little water. We water them rarely in the winter time. They may also make good indoor plants if you have a lot of light, although we do not have experience with this. They can take freezing temperatures for a short period of time, although if you have a special, old plant, I would still protect it if possible. They do not require any trimming and I would avoid doing so. FAMILY : Apocynaceae ORIGIN : South Africa TYPE/USES : potted succulent, cactus gardens or small containers MATURE SIZE : 2′ – 3′ GROWTH RATE : a little slow LIGHT REQUIREMENTS : full sun WATER REQUIREMENTS : keep mostly dry MIN. TEMP. : low 30’s for short periods of time FLOWER : late summer on mature plants, white with touches of pink