Pachypodium brevicaule
Pachypodium brevicaule
| Pachypodium brevicaule is
probably the most different species in the genus. The name means
literally 'thick-foot, short-stem' and it is! It looks like a blob
(sometimes described as a cow-pie) with leaves. Native to the south
central regions of Madagascar, the plants can reach a diameter of over 12 inches
and are rarely over a few inches tall. They typically grow on
exposed limestone rock faces. The flowers are a beautiful
clear yellow and are held above the plant. The
plants are silver in color and are multi-branched, but these branches usually evidence themselves only as
lobes on the overall 'blob' shape. Unfortunately, P. brevicaule can be somewhat difficult to grow. They seem to be rot-prone under less than ideal conditions and care. What they need to grow well is bright light and even moisture throughout the year. The watering schedule will change depending on temperatures and stage of growth, but it is best not to let this plant dry out completely for any length of time. This species is not tolerant of freezing, but seems to do just fine with night-time winter temperatures in the 40's and even high thirties, as long as there is bright light and warmer (70's plus) temperatures during the day. 
To make them less prone to rotting, P. brevicaule can be grafted onto P. gaeyi or P. lamairei (see photo at lower right) This gives them the ease of care of the rootstock species and increases the growth rate and flowering. (I did this initially to produce more seeds, but I do occasionally sell some grafted plants. Please check for availability.) |
In just a few years from grafting the P.
brevicaule will completely cover the union. |
