Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Small (6m-15m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Fountain (Palm-like) |
| Maximum Height | 6 m |
| Tree or Palm – Trunk Diameter | 0 |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southwestern Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent with a tree-like growth form up to 6 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Trunk | The metallic silver trunk is densely armed by brownish, needle-like spines (2.5 cm long). The surface is covered by clusters of 3-4 spines which emerge from round to hexagonal protuberances. |
| Foliage | Narrow, linear leaves are greyish green and spirally arranged near the branch tips. When grown under full sun, the midrib becomes bright pink. |
| Flowers | White to yellowish white flowers are star-shaped and arranged in clusters held above the leaves. |
| Similar | This species resembles Pachypodium lamerei when young. However, its leaves are more greyish and linear, while those of P. lamerei are bright green and more oval-shaped. |
| Cultivation | This species is usually pest-free except for occasional attacks by mealy bugs and spider mites. However, it is prone to rot which you can avoid by potting in a clay pot with well-drained soil mix and allowing the soil to dry to half the depth of the pot before re-watering. Leaves will turn yellow and drop when the plant is over-watered. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Trunk, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Focal Plant |
| Thematic Landscaping | Silver Garden, Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Trunk |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
| Seed / Spore Germination Duration | 1 months |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Silver / Grey |
|---|---|
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Waxy |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Stellate / Star-shaped |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Yellowish White |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31854 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6254 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
