Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bottle Tree
AdvancedPachypodium lealii
A Pachypodium from Namibia and Angola that grows into a 3-6 m tree with a bottle-shaped, swollen-based trunk. In the dry season it bears fragrant white flowers, flushed purple outside, on leafless branch tips.
About
Pachypodium lealii is a tree-like species of the Apocynaceae known in English as the bottle tree; it is named after the Portuguese cartographer Fernando da Costa Leal, who recorded it in southern Angola. The IUCN Red List category is Vulnerable. It reaches 3-6 m (rarely 8 m) with several trunks from a swollen base. The trunk is 40 cm or more across with silvery-grey to pale brown bark and spines in threes, the lateral spines 2.5-4 cm long. Leaves are 2.5-10 cm long and fall at flowering time. The fragrant flowers are white with the outside and tube flushed purple, opening in habitat from May to November during the dry winter. The related P. saundersii is a shrub with a rounded, ground-level caudex and flowers earlier, from February to May. In Japan seed-raised plants are sold through online shops and auction sites.
Size of the Bottle Tree
The Bottle Tree grows to 3-6 m (rarely 8 m) in habitat; trunk 40 cm or more across.
Temperature & humidity for the Bottle Tree
It occurs in Namibia and Angola, with a disjunct population in Botswana, on rocky slopes in semi-desert and mopane scrub at 1,000-1,600 m, where temperatures occasionally range from −10°C to 45°C.
Basic Info
Origin
Namibia and Angola (disjunct in Botswana)
Lifespan
Long-lived tree (little published data)
Size
3-6 m (rarely 8 m) in habitat; trunk 40 cm or more across
Temperature
10〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Sparingly in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow in full sun to light shade and keep it out of winter rain.
Watering
It is reputedly the hardest continental African Pachypodium and rots easily in poor conditions. Water moderately in the growing season and very little or not at all otherwise.
Temperature & Overwintering
It takes light frost but rots easily in cold, prolonged wet. Keep it dry and frost-free in winter.
Soil & Repotting
Use a very free-draining mix so the roots never stay wet.
Propagation
Fresh seed germinates easily; avoid overwatering seedlings. To avoid root rot it can also be grafted onto P. geayi or P. lamerei.
Pests & Cautions
The sap is extremely toxic, once used as an arrow poison, and can cause blindness if it gets in the eyes. 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.
Bottle Tree FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Bottle Tree?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Bottle Tree get?
The mature size of Bottle Tree is 3-6 m (rarely 8 m) in habitat; trunk 40 cm or more across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Bottle Tree?
Bottle Tree: watering & fertilizer — Sparingly in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Bottle Tree?
The price of Bottle Tree 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 Vulnerable.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Pachypodium lealii / IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Pachypodium lealii
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Pachypodium gracillis Care Guide | Growing Thick Caudex from Seed
A practical guide to caring for Pachypodium gracillis, a popular caudex plant. Covers seed propagation and cultivation, choosing the right soil and pots, summer growing season and winter dormancy management, and secrets to watering and fertilization for developing thick caudexes.
Pachypodium Species Guide | Characteristics and Differences of Gracilis, Brevicaule, and Baronii
A detailed introduction to the most popular Pachypodium species. This guide explains the characteristics and differences of Gracilis, Brevicaule, Baronii, Lamerei, and Horombense, along with cultivation tips for each.
Pachypodium Seed Propagation Guide | From Sowing to Germination and Growth
This guide explains how to grow Pachypodium from seed. We cover everything from sourcing seeds and sowing to managing germination, caring for seedlings, and the unique joys of seed propagation.
Rooting and Initial Care of Pachypodium Gracilius
Methods for encouraging root development in imported bare-root Pachypodium gracilis. Explains the preparation of pots, soil media, and temperature conditions; watering practices during rooting (maintaining primarily dry conditions); how to confirm successful rooting and interpret key indicators; initial post-rooting care; and seasonal management guidelines.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.