This deciduous succulent shrub has a tree-like habit with sparse slender branches and a swollen trunk that is covered in sharp thorns. It has leathery lanced-shaped dark green leaves and the white funnel-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during summer on mature plants.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Pachypodium lamereiis naturally found in southern and south-west Madagascar growing in moderately fertile sharply drained soils. It prefers a open sunny position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

This succulent shrub is grown for its unusual form and its fragrant flowers. It is planted in arid or rock gardens as a specimen or as a container plant under glass in cold climates. It is also planted in cacti gardens and establishes from cuttings in 3 to 5 years. Care when planting as it has sharp thorns. ID 1526

Pachypodium(pak-ee-PO-dee-um) lamerei(la-MER-ee-eye)

Apocynaceae(a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee)