Synonyms:

Pachypodium rutenbergianum f. lamerei
Pachypodium champenoisianum
Pachypodium lamerei var. ramosum
Pachypodium ramosum

Habitat:

Pachypodium lamerei is native to southern Madagascar, where it grows in arid environments with sandy or rocky, highly draining soils. It thrives on sunny slopes and in areas with long dry seasons, storing water in its thickened trunk to withstand periods of drought.

Description:

The name Pachypodium lamerei combines the Greek terms pachys (“thick”) and podion (“little foot”), referring to the genus’s characteristic swollen, massive trunk. The specific epithet lamerei honors Monsieur Lamere, a French customs officer stationed in Fort Dauphin in southern Madagascar, who was the first to collect the type specimen of this species. The plant was later formally described in 1899 by botanist Emmanuel Drake del Castillo in the Bulletin du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle.

Pachypodium lamerei belongs to the genus Pachypodium and to the family Apocynaceae. It features a cylindrical, upright trunk that is swollen at the base, with grayish bark covered in dense and sharp spines up to 6 cm long, typically arranged in groups of three. Over time, it may branch near the top, developing a shape reminiscent of a small succulent tree. The long, lance-shaped leaves are a bright green and appear mainly at the tips of the branches, forming a terminal rosette. The plant is seasonally deciduous in response to drought: it sheds its leaves during the dry season to reduce water loss, while the caudex stores moisture, ensuring its survival during prolonged arid periods.

This species blooms from spring to early summer, producing large, fragrant and trumpet-shaped white flowers at the tips of the branches, although flowering remains uncommon in cultivation. After pollination, the plant develops fruits consisting of long paired follicles resembling small “bananas,” usually 15-20 cm in length and filled with numerous small brown seeds.

Cultivation:

Pachypodium lamerei requires minimal care when grown under the right conditions, but it grows slowly and demands patience before reaching its mature form.

It needs an extremely well-draining soil that dries quickly after watering to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rot. In cultivation, a light, airy and mineral-based mix is preferred, consisting of coarse sand, pumice, lava rock or fine gravel, with only a small amount of organic matter. To ensure proper water runoff, it should always be grown in a pot with drainage holes.

Watering should be moderate and carefully controlled, as this species tolerates drought far better than excess moisture. During the growing season, water only when the soil is completely dry, always waiting a few days before watering again. With the arrival of autumn and throughout winter, when the plant enters dormancy and may drop its leaves, watering should be greatly reduced or stopped altogether.

It prefers a very bright, sunny exposure and tolerates full sun without issues, which promotes strong leaf production and, in mature plants, flowering. In low-light environments, it tends to weaken and lose vigor. During summer, it can be placed outdoors in a sheltered, wind-protected spot, while in winter it should be kept safe from the cold and given as much light as possible.

Fertilizing Pachypodium lamerei should be light and targeted, as the plant grows slowly. A single application during the growing season is sufficient, using a well-balanced diluted cactus fertilizer. In autumn and winter, when the plant enters dormancy, fertilization should be completely suspended.

Repot only when necessary, generally every 2-3 years, choosing a container slightly larger than the previous one and always equipped with drainage holes. Repotting is best done in spring, at the start of the growing season, using a very well-draining mix and replacing any compacted substrate. Handle the plant with care due to its strong spines and avoid burying the base of the stem too deeply to prevent moisture accumulation that could cause rot.

It produces a white latex typical of Apocynaceae, which can be mildly irritating if ingested or if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. It is not considered particularly dangerous, but it is still advisable to handle it with some care during repotting or pruning. The sturdy spines along the trunk are the most troublesome feature, so it is best to place the plant in a safe spot, out of the reach of children and pets.

This is a generally robust plant with few disease issues. The most common problems stem from cultivation mistakes, especially excess moisture, which can lead to root or stem rot. As for pests, it may be affected only occasionally by aphids, particularly in poorly ventilated environments or during early growth in spring.

Care tip: when grown indoors for many years, Pachypodium lamerei can eventually outgrow its available space. In such cases, its height can be controlled by cutting off the growing tip. Although branching in nature occurs mainly in response to accidental damage or in very mature specimens, removing the top can stimulate the development of new branches, taking advantage of the species’ regenerative abilities.

Propagation:

Propagation is carried out primarily from seed, which is the most effective and productive method. Fresh seeds offer a very high success rate, often around 90%. Before sowing, it is helpful to soak them in warm water for 24 hours, then place them on moist sand or a very light substrate. The species can also be propagated by dividing any basal offshoots: these should be carefully removed from the mother plant and allowed to dry for 5-8 days before potting to reduce the risk of rot and encourage successful rooting.

Curiosity:

Although commonly called the “Madagascar palm”, this plant is not a palm at all, but a succulent belonging to the Apocynaceae family, the same family as oleanders and plumerias. The resemblance comes solely from its appearance: in mature plants, the tall columnar trunk topped by a tuft of leaves creates a silhouette similar to that of a palm.

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