Page 13 - FEB2020

sc gardens - plant enthusiasts

PACHYPODIUMS

consist of about 20 species; five
are native to continental Africa
and the rest to Madagascar.
In Africa they are found in arid
areas in Angola, Namibia,
Botswana, Zimbabwe,
Swaziland, Mozambique and
South Africa.

They are usually found in sunny positions
in rocky environments, and grow in frost-
free situations; the exceptions being
P. bispinosum and P. succulentum which can
tolerate sub-zero temperatures. The lovely
flowers of Pachypodiums and their swollen
stems make them desirable feature plants
for any garden. P. namaquanum looks a bit
like a short person, hence the name Half
Mens. Certain species yield potent poisons
that have been used most effectively in
arrow poison since ancient times.

The most commonly found Pachypodium
in nurseries in Botswana is Pachypodium
lamerei. The Kudu lily, Pachypodium
saundersiae, is sold at Spar occasionally
too; Blue butterfly nursery in Maun has P.
lamerei. Sanitas sells P. lamerei, P. geayi, and P.
rosulatum subsp. gracilis, of which the first
two are the easiest to grow, and are even
suitable as house plants. Pachypodiums are
easily propagated from cuttings, although
they are occasionally prone to scale and
mealybugs. Text & photos by S.C

(Photos from Top: P. lamerei,
P. rosulatum subsp. gracilis;
P. bispinosum; P. saundersiae) pg13