Pachypodium saundersii

Pachypodium saundersii

Family: Apocynaceae
Common Names: kudu lily
Synonyms: Pachypodium lealii subs. saundersii
Geographic Origin: Pachypodium saundersii originates from the dry woodland areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Swaziland, southern Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It is found among rocks, on rocky ridges, or within low-lying Bushveld.
Description: P. saundersii is a thickly-bodied succulent that develops a swollen caudex. The stems are light gray in color, little-branching from a large tuber, and densely spinous, thicker at the base and tapering in width. The narrowly ovate dark-green leaves are spirally arranged on branches, and occur at the base of spines in tight clusters. After about 4-5 years, clusters of flowers will appear at the tip of branches in fall, and will persist for 2-3 months. Showy, large, and beautiful, the flowers possess pink to purple coloring on the outside of the corolla, being white above and greenish within. Each flower includes 5 petals that are spirally arranged, resembling a star. The fruits will follow, in pairs of horn-like follicles that are swollen at the base and tapered to a point, with an apical coma of golden hairs.
Interesting Features:

While most succulents possess shallow, fine roots, the roots of Pachypodium species are large and fibrous, to maximize nutrient and water uptake during the short natural growing season.
Pachypodium species also possess thick and shiny bark to reflect intense sunlight and prevent drying out.
P. saundersii was previously considered a subspecies of P. lealii, a species often used to create arrow poison. However, all Pachypodium species are poisonous, and should be handled with caution. Wounds created by the sharp thorns will be painful and slow healing.

Uses: The kudu lily is used medicinally in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, and contains antibacterial and anticancer properties. In addition, the species is valued ornamentally, in bonsai, and as a good luck plant.

Cultivation and Care:
- Watering: Moderate

P. saundersii requires more water than the average succulent. Water daily during spring and summer, or whenever soil has begun to dry out. However, do not allow soil to entirely dry in between waterings.
During the autumn and winter, decrease irrigation to twice a week. When all of the foliage has been lost, maintain dry conditions.

     - Soil Type: Plant in a well-draining sandy, loamy, or gritty soil with hummus, and maintain a pH between 6.1 and 6.5.
     - Lighting: Provide full sunlight or partial shade. Specimens can be planted in a dome or in a location that receives sun in the morning or the afternoon.
     - Propagation: The kudu lily can be propagated by stem cuttings, through seed, and by grafting onto P. lamerei rootstocks.
     - Cold tolerance: 30-40°F, USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11.
     - Special Accommodations: P. saundersii is not frost tolerant and should not be exposed to cold temperatures. It is recommended to maintain a minimum temperature of 55°F for the best growth. However, during the rest period, temperatures should not drop below 59°F.
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