Pachypodium is a genus of succulent spine-bearing trees and shrubs, native to Africa. It belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.

Occurring in Madagascar, the deciduous leaves are long, narrow and green with a lighter green vein running the length of the leaf. The leaves form around the growth tips of the trunk and branches and have a downward curvature in the length. The trunk is a smooth silvery brown and the plant may reach 30 feet in time. The spines are small and conical. The flowers are large white salver form and resemble that of lealii with a yellow centre and the smell of perfume. Rutenbergianum should be given full light and plenty of water during the warmer months and less water in the cool months but should be dampened before drying out occurs. This species is one of the least widely cultivated of the tree species. Seedlings grow quickly.

USDA Zone - 9

Season to Sow - Spring