Spiny tree (not a palm) from southwestern Madagascar with deciduous leaves and white flowers. On the large side for the genus, and the most common Pachypodium in cultivation. Excellent container plant given good drainage, good light, and lots of water in summer. Obeys a seasonal growth cycle with some degree of rest/dormancy in winter, especially in marginal climates. Handle with care during this period (cold sensitive) and provide much less frequent water when the plant is leafless. Flowering begins when the plant is a few years old (age perhaps more important than size) and proceeds over a few months. Flowers are terminal, but the plant will branch afterwards, though maybe only once (with no additional stems). Self fertile. Fruit is a two-horned pod which breaks open when ripe to release large seeds with dandelion-like parachutes.

Two local forms (var. ramosum and the Ihosy form) have different growth habits. The short and fat Ihosy form often branches at the base. A spineless form was recently (2020) released by the ISI.

This species and P. geayi account for most of the Pachypodiums in cultivation. Both (usually) have 3 spines associated with each leaf and grow terete, cigar-shaped stems. Both make white flowers. P. geayi is less common, flowers much later (and therefore has a much taller main stem), has fine hairs on new spines and stem, has recurved petals and exserted stamens on flowers. Both species are common and useful stocks for grafting more rot-prone species (eg. brevicaule).

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