Pachypodium rutenbergianum (Madagascar Palm)

Botanical name: Pachypodium rutenbergianum

Common name: Madagascar Palm

Origin: Madagascar

Hardiness: 30°F

The deciduos leaves are long, narrow and green with a lighter green vein running the length of the leaf. The leaves form around the growth tips of the trunk and branches and have a downward curvature in the length. The trunk is a smooth silvery brown and the plant may reach 30Ft with some time. The spines are small and conical. The flowers are large white with a yellow center and the smell of perfume. Rutenbergianum should be given full light and plenty of water during the warmer months and less water in the cool months but should be dampened before drying out occurs. This species is one of the least widely cultivated of the tree species. Seedlings grow quickly compared to other Pachypodium species. Pachypodiums are robust succulents that rapidly respond to their growing environment and therefore require high light levels to keep them in check. A few hours of direct light each day and a minimum temperature of 55F. will keep them happy. They will grow well indoors on a sunny window sill, outdoors during the warmer months, and in a greenhouse as both of these conditions are easily met.