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Pacyhpodiums are native to Africa and Madagascar. There are 5 species of African Pachypodiums including saundersii. All African species occur in the southern part of the continent, mainly South Africa. All of the other twenty or so different types of Pachypodium species are from Madagascar.
Pachypodiums are from the Apocynaceae Family or what is called the Dogbane family. This family includes Adenium, Plumeria, Natal Plum and Oleander. Like all species in this family Pachypodiums are to some extent poisonous; a small amount is carried in their leaves. It is a good idea to pick up the fallen leaves in autumn so your pet doesn’t get a stomach ache.
Since all Pachypodiums are from dry tropical climates, plan on moving them in for the winter in the Bay Area. They love warm sunny summer days outside (just make sure not to move them straight out in the sun, “harden them off” by starting in the shade and then slowly moving them out to full sun over a few weeks. Remember plants get sunburn too!) They will grow and thrive outside in the summer if given a regular drink of water while it is warm. Under watering during hot spells can lead to leaf loss; this is a natural mechanism that helps the plant conserve water. No need to over-water: wilting leaves let you know it’s thirsty!
Cut back on water as the temperatures and light levels drop in the Fall. The roots and sometimes the whole plant will be lost to rot if the soil is too wet during the winter.
updated 3/15/05
