Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pachypodium inopinatum
IntermediatePachypodium inopinatum
A small central-northern Madagascan Pachypodium in the P. rosulatum group. Slender spiny branches rise from a swollen trunk, and unusually for this mostly yellow-flowered group it bears ivory flowers.
About
Pachypodium inopinatum is a small species of the Apocynaceae described in 1996 by the South African botanist Lavranos. The name means "unexpected", reflecting its surprise discovery. It grows in rock crevices in the mountains of central-northern Madagascar, and the IUCN Red List category is Critically Endangered. It belongs to the P. rosulatum group with gracilius, cactipes, makayense and bicolor, and is sometimes treated as P. rosulatum var. inopinatum. The swollen trunk reaches about 50 cm tall and the caudex up to 35 cm across, with slender branches bearing needle-like spines growing upward. Leaves are narrowly ovate and glossy dark green. Whereas most of the group has yellow flowers, this species has ivory flowers, two to five on a long peduncle, with a corolla tube 10-12 mm long. In Japan it is sold on online auction sites as a small white-flowered Pachypodium, both as seedlings and wild-collected plants, and seed is also offered.
Size of the Pachypodium inopinatum
The Pachypodium inopinatum grows to Trunk up to about 50 cm tall; caudex up to 35 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Central-northern Madagascar (montane rock crevices)
Lifespan
Little data available
Size
Trunk up to about 50 cm tall; caudex up to 35 cm across
Temperature
10〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Sparingly in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
As a rock-dwelling species, give it a sunny position in the growing season.
Watering
Water once the soil dries in the growing season and reduce water after leaf fall.
Temperature & Overwintering
Little is recorded on its cold tolerance, so overwinter it dry in a warm room away from frost.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mix and repot at the start of the growing season.
Pests & Cautions
Pachypodium sap is toxic and the spines are sharp. Wear thick gloves or wrap the trunk in several layers of newspaper when repotting or moving it. It is critically endangered and wild plants do appear on the market; nursery seedlings arrive with established roots and do not depend on wild collection, so they are worth choosing over wild-collected plants.
Pachypodium inopinatum FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Pachypodium inopinatum?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Pachypodium inopinatum get?
The mature size of Pachypodium inopinatum is Trunk up to about 50 cm tall; caudex up to 35 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Pachypodium inopinatum?
Pachypodium inopinatum: watering & fertilizer — Sparingly in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Pachypodium inopinatum?
The price of Pachypodium inopinatum varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II (covered by the genus listing for Pachypodium). International trade needs an export permit, but no registration is required for transfers within Japan. The IUCN Red List category is Critically Endangered.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Pachypodium inopinatum / IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Pachypodium inopinatum
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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