Publication: 22: 503 (1887)
Description
Pachypodium densiflorum forma cristata is a nice succulent with a showy crested trunk. The spiny grey stem will soon form an heavily convoluted fan-shaped or snaky ridged cluster. The comb-shaped foliage is arranged only at the top of the trunk.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
Is fairly easy to grow both indoors, as well as outdoors in warm climates. In the winters it is deciduous, except in very tropical areas. Needs a draining cactus potting mix and regular water when the plant has leaves, contrary to popular belief, it likes a lot of water in the warm summers, as long as it’s planted in a very well draining soil. Indoors it is best to err on the dry side, or it is prone to rot. It like full sun to light shade with warm temperatures. Repot the plant every 3 years; this is quite tricky given all the spines. The best way is to wrap several layers of newspaper around the trunk where it is to be handled.
Crested growth: Unlike ‘monstrose’ varieties of plants, where the variation from normal growth is due to genetic mutation, crested growth can occur on normal plants. Sometimes it’s due to variances in light intensity, or damage, but generally the causes are unknown. A crested plant may have some areas growing normally, and a cresting plant that looks like a brain, may revert to normal growth for no apparent reason. Any normal shoots should be removed to promote the growth of the crest.
Propagation: By vegetative propagation, usually by grafting on a Pachypodium lamerei stock. The stem cuttings usually don’t root.
