Pachypodium ambongense

Pachypodium ambongense is a rare and highly collectible caudiciform succulent native to Madagascar, known for its thick, bottle-shaped trunk, spiny branches, and striking yellow flowers. This drought-tolerant species is prized among collectors for its sculptural form and resilience, making it perfect for bonsai cultivation, arid gardens, and container growing.

Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Pachypodium ambongense
• Common Names: Ambongo Pachypodium, Madagascar Bottle Tree
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Native Region: Madagascar
• Growth Habit: Small succulent tree with a thickened caudex
• Height: 1–2 meters (3–6 feet), compact in containers
• Trunk: Swollen, bottle-shaped, silvery-gray with spiny branches
• Leaves: Narrow, dark green, forming a rosette at branch tips
• Flowers: Bright yellow, trumpet-shaped, blooming in warm seasons
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Season: Active growth in warm months, dormant in cooler months

Growing Conditions:

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-draining, sandy, or rocky soil
• Watering Needs: Low; drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering
• Temperature Tolerance: Prefers warm climates; not frost-hardy
• Humidity: Prefers low humidity; avoid excessive moisture
• Propagation: Grown from seeds or cuttings

Landscaping & Uses:

• Ideal for succulent gardens, rockeries, and arid landscapes
• Perfect for bonsai cultivation and container gardening
• Highly prized by collectors for its rare availability and sculptural form
• Low-maintenance and drought-resistant, making it great for dry regions
• Unique, exotic addition to caudiciform and succulent collections