Pachypodium lamerei, often known as the “Madagascar Palm”, is a captivating plant native to Madagascar, admired for its striking and exotic appearance.
Despite its name, it is not actually a palm but a succulent belonging to the Apocynaceae family. With its tall, spiny trunk topped by a crown of long, glossy leaves, it makes an eye-catching feature in any botanical garden.
In the wild, this plant can grow up to six metres tall, although it tends to remain smaller when cultivated in pots.
Its thick, thorn-covered trunk acts as a water reservoir, helping it withstand dry conditions. The leaves grow in clusters at the top and drop periodically, enhancing the plant’s sculptural and dramatic form.
The Madagascar Palm produces elegant star-shaped flowers in shades of white or cream, which contrast beautifully with its rugged trunk.
At the Au Bois Vert Botanical Garden near Ivato in Antananarivo, this species serves as a showpiece that highlights the botanical richness of Madagascar. It fits seamlessly into areas dedicated to rare and exotic plants, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the island’s remarkable biodiversity.
Thanks to its bold aesthetic and resilience, Pachypodium lamerei is an ideal addition to landscaped areas or botanical displays around the Au Bois Vert hotel and restaurant.
It contributes to the overall natural beauty of the setting, while also sparking curiosity and admiration from guests.
Plant use
Pachypodium lamerei is highly valued for its ornamental appeal, making it a popular choice for gardens, hotels, and lodges aiming to create a tropical or desert-style landscape. Its resilience to harsh conditions—particularly drought—makes it an ideal option for low-maintenance spaces, such as those found in Ivato and other parts of Madagascar. At the Au Bois Vert Botanical Garden, this plant plays a central role as a representative of Madagascar’s succulent flora. It captures the curiosity of visitors, offering them the chance to observe its remarkable adaptations to arid environments. When placed along main paths or near seating areas, it provides a strong visual focal point and can even serve an educational purpose. Whether used indoors or outdoors, the Madagascar Palm stands out as a striking feature. In settings such as restaurants or lodges, it brings an elegant, exotic touch. While it’s not edible, it contributes to the warm, nature-inspired atmosphere sought by many guests. Requiring minimal care, Pachypodium lamerei is particularly well-suited to property owners in Antananarivo looking for sustainable and visually appealing landscaping solutions. It thrives both in pots and planted in the ground, provided it receives plenty of sunlight. With its slow growth and hardiness, it represents a long-term investment for enhancing both natural and designed spaces.
Key information
| Common name | Madagascar Palm |
| Scientific name | Pachypodium lamerei |
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Natural habitat | Arid and semi-arid regions, rocky soils |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | Spring and summer (depending on conditions) |
