Shrubby caudiciform succulent with a fat body and narrow, spreading, spiny branches. Deciduous leaves appear toward the end of the branches. Can be spectacular in old age. White flowers in late summer/fall tinged with purple/pink. From southern Africa: South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

Seasonal growth pattern features a summer growth spurt and winter dormancy, though some leaves may be retained through the winter in mild climates. Water more frequently in summer. Does not like cold (below 45-50°F), wet winters. Potentially a large plant (body to 3 feet wide), and stunted by underpotting. Responds well to pruning. Best growth and form with very strong light (full sun in mild climates). A dwarf version (forma compacta) is available and may be a better fit for container life where space is limiting.

This species was formerly known as P. lealii ssp. saundersii, and is closely related to P. lealii (from Namibia and Angola), a much larger shrub or tree with a bottle shaped stem and pubescent leaves. P. saundersii is geographically separated from P. lealii by 1000km and it differs from lealii in one interesting respect: the main stem of saundersii usually dies back after a few years, leaving the caudex and lower stems to continue branching.

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