Pachypodium succulentum

Pachypodium succulentum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Pachypodium
Species:
P. succulentum
Binomial name
Pachypodium succulentum
Synonyms[1]
  • Barleria rigida Spreng. ex Schltdl., nom. nud.
  • Belonites succulentus (L.f.) E.Mey.
  • Echites succulentus L.f. (1782) (basionym)
  • Echites tuberosus Haw. ex Steud.
  • Pachypodium griquense L.Bolus
  • Pachypodium jasminiflorum L.Bolus
  • Pachypodium tomentosum G.Don
  • Pachypodium tuberosum Lindl., nom. superfl.
  • Pachypodium tuberosum var. loddigesii A.DC.

Pachypodium succulentum is a member of the family Apocynaceae native to the Cape Provinces and the Free State province of South Africa.[2]

Description

True to its name, P. succulentum is characterised by its sturdy water-holding swallowed-stem base. Thin, near-straight shoots grow from this base to a height of around 1.6 feet and are covered in 0.8 inch thorns that come in pairs. Leaves are found on the upper parts of the shoots and are narrow, dark green, lanceolate and feature venation. Flowers are pink or white.

References

  1. ^ "Pachypodium succulentum (L.f.) Sweet". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  2. ^ "Pachypodium succulentum", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 2015-08-09
  • The Complete Encyclopedia of Succulents by Zdenek Jezek and Libor Kunte