Madagascar Palm
Pachypodium lamerei
The Madagascar palm is a spiny, succulent caudex plant with a thick, spine-covered trunk topped by a crown of strappy leaves. Despite its name and look, it is not a true palm but a relative of the desert rose.
- Light
- Full sun to bright light
- Water
- Moderate in growth; dry in winter
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
The Madagascar palm (Pachypodium lamerei) has a tall, silvery trunk densely covered in sharp spines, crowned by a tuft of long, glossy green leaves, giving it a palm-like silhouette. It is actually a succulent in the dogbane family, closely related to Adenium.
Its thick, water-storing trunk lets it endure long dry periods. Indoors it makes a dramatic, sculptural specimen, slowly reaching several feet tall.
In ideal warm, sunny conditions mature plants can produce fragrant white flowers at the crown.
How to identify it
- Thick, upright, succulent trunk covered in clusters of sharp spines
- A crown of long, strappy green leaves at the top, palm-like in appearance
- Usually single-stemmed, branching only with age or after damage
- Reaches several feet indoors, taller outdoors
- White, fragrant, five-petaled flowers on mature plants
Care & growing
- Light: Full sun or the brightest indoor spot available
- Water: Water moderately during active growth, letting soil dry between; keep nearly dry in winter when it may drop leaves
- Soil: Gritty, very well-draining mix
- Temperature: Warmth-loving; protect from cold below about 50 F
- Feeding: Light feeding in spring and summer
- Propagation: Mostly from seed; rarely from offsets if the plant branches
Habitat & origin
Native to southern Madagascar, where it grows in hot, arid, rocky scrub and spiny forest.
It is grown around the world as a striking container and conservatory plant, and outdoors in frost-free desert and subtropical gardens.
Uses & benefits
Grown almost entirely as an ornamental for its bold, exotic, palm-like form, popular as a statement houseplant and in dry-climate landscapes.
It has no culinary use, and like its relatives it contains toxic compounds, so it should be kept away from pets and children, with care taken around its sharp spines.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really a palm?
No. Despite the name and look, it is a succulent in the dogbane family, closely related to the desert rose, not a true palm.
Why did it drop all its leaves?
Leaf drop is normal in winter dormancy or after a cold snap or drought. New leaves usually return with warmth and water in spring.
How big does it get?
Indoors it slowly reaches several feet tall; outdoors in ideal climates it can grow to 15 feet or more over many years.
Is it toxic or dangerous?
It contains toxic compounds if ingested and has very sharp spines, so handle it carefully and keep it away from pets and children.
Madagascar Palm guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Madagascar Palm.
