Species Notes: The Pachypodium namaquanum is probably the most sought after specie in the genus. Its habitat is South Africa, Northern Cape and southern Namibia. Well known populations can be found in the Richtersveld National Park. This majestic plant is usually a single stem, tree like plant in cultivation. Only after many years and at a certain size, will the plant begin to branch on its own. Insect/mite damage, along with cold damage can cause the plant to branch prematurely. Its thick grey to light brown stem is covered in 2" to 4" long spines. Long Vee shaped leaves with wavy crinkles all along the edge, grow from the top. The leaves have a velvet like texture. With age, the lower spines fall away and only the tubercles are to be seen. In habitat, mature plants with braches, from a distance would resemble the silhouette of a man, hence the African name, Halfmens
Cultivation Notes: The P. namaquanum lives in a very arid and harsh environment. It gets its rainfall in the winter, which isn’t really much at all. Ranging from 50 to 150mm. Additionally, layers of thick fog roll in from the coast and provide extra moisture. In cultivation, maximum sun can be given and moderate water during its growing season.
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