Pachypodium saundersii
Synonym: Pachypodium lealii ssp. saundersii
Family: Asclepiadaceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 10-12 Frost Tolerance: Semi tender in Phoenix, protect it on coldest nights, or keep it in container Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun. Origin: South Africa Growth Habits: Small, very slow growing caudiciform tree, typically 2 to 4 feet tall or less for any specimen of reasonable age Watering Needs: Regular water in summer when the plant has leaves, in winter, keep dry, with only occasional water Propagation: Seeds |
Pachypodium saundersii is probably the easiest and fastest South African Pachypodium to grow. Many botanists consider it a subspecies of P lealii. Since it behaves somewhat differently in cultivation (different blooming season, speed of growth…) I just kept it here as a different species.
Cultural Practices:
This species is dormant in winter, keep it totally dry when leafless.
Blooming Habits:
P. saundersii has white flowers in the fall at the end of the summer growing season. They seem to need a cooler winter dormancy to bloom properly. They generally bloom at a younger age than other Pachypodiums, typically around 4-5 years old.
Fruiting Habits:
References:
Dry Climate Gardening With Succulents : The Huntington Botanical Gardens
Check for Field Collection numbers at Ralph Martin's Site
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