Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pachypodium windsorii
AdvancedPachypodium windsorii
A Pachypodium from the far north of Madagascar with a swollen, flask-shaped caudex, a few slender twisting branches and bright red flowers with a pale green eye. It is smaller than P. baronii in all parts, with very short flower stalks.
About
Pachypodium windsorii is a caudiciform member of the Apocynaceae endemic to the far north of Madagascar. For a long time it was known only from the Windsor Castle massif, but two more subpopulations were found on other massifs in 2005. It grows on steep limestone outcrops and in open dry forest at 270-390 m. Logging, fire and illegal collection of ripe fruit for horticulture threaten it, and the IUCN Red List category is Endangered. It stands 0.5-1.5 m tall; the flask-shaped to globose caudex is 30-50 cm tall and 35-60 cm across and bears one to five slender, twisting branches with short spines of 2-6 mm. Leaves are glossy deep green and fall completely in winter. The flowers are red, about 5 cm across with a pale green eye, on almost no peduncle; the baronii group contains the only red-flowered pachypodiums. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of P. baronii, which is larger (to 2 m or more, leaves 9-15 cm, peduncles 4-25 cm), whereas windsorii has leaves only 5-9 cm long. In Japan nursery-raised seedlings are sold through online shops and auction sites.
Size of the Pachypodium windsorii
The Pachypodium windsorii grows to 0.5-1.5 m tall; caudex 35-60 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Far northern Madagascar (Windsor Castle massif and nearby massifs)
Lifespan
Slow-growing and long-lived (little published data)
Size
0.5-1.5 m tall; caudex 35-60 cm across
Temperature
10〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Sparingly in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow in full sun to light shade. It can go outdoors in sun in warm areas, but keep it out of winter rain.
Watering
Water sparingly in the heat of the growing season and not at all from late autumn to mid-spring. Older plants need less water.
Temperature & Overwintering
It is cold-sensitive; overwinter it completely dry at around 10°C and protect it from frost.
Soil & Repotting
Use a gritty, porous mix that is not strongly acidic. Repot about every three years.
Propagation
Mainly propagated by seed; fresh seed germinates well and seedlings are fairly easy.
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. As an Appendix I species, international trade in wild-collected plants is prohibited, so plants on the Japanese market are mainly seed-raised. Even so, check for a registration certificate before buying or listing.
Pachypodium windsorii FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Pachypodium windsorii?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Pachypodium windsorii get?
The mature size of Pachypodium windsorii is 0.5-1.5 m tall; caudex 35-60 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Pachypodium windsorii?
Pachypodium windsorii: watering & fertilizer — Sparingly in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Pachypodium windsorii?
The price of Pachypodium windsorii 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.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES): Pachypodium windsorii
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan: Act on Conservation of Endangered Species
- Japan Wildlife Research Center: registration of internationally endangered species
- IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Pachypodium windsorii
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Succulents: Pachypodium windsorii
- Wikipedia: Pachypodium windsorii
- GBIF
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix I. International trade is prohibited in principle, and in Japan the species is an "internationally endangered species" under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species, so transfers and display or advertising for sale generally require a registration certificate. Check that a certificate exists before buying or listing. The IUCN Red List category is Endangered.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Pachypodium windsorii / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: Act on Conservation of Endangered Species / Japan Wildlife Research Center: registration of internationally endangered species / IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Pachypodium windsorii
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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