Pachypodium saundersii, also known as Kudu Lily, is a deciduous succulent shrub in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. P. saundersii is natively found in South Africa and Swaziland where it grows in rocky, arid hillsides. The main stem grows up to 16 feet tall and tends to be thick in diameter as it serves as a water storage organ. Thinner pencil-like stems branch out of the main trunk and are covered in long gray thorns and simple, lanceolate leaves that are about 5 inches in length. P. saundersii blooms in late spring to early summer with white trumpet shaped flowers that cluster at the tip of branches across the plant. This species is grown as an ornamental plant for its drought tolerance, fragrant and showy flowers, and unique trunch shape. Light exposure of full sun to partial shade is ideal for this species. Pachypodium saundersii does best in breathable containers filled with well draining inorganic soils. Water adequately, allowing the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Decrease watering in winter/dormant months. Dormancy can be identified by the shedding of leaves. USDA plant hardiness zones 10a to 11a.
Pachypodium saundersii seeds require consistent moisture and humidity to germinate, but soil should not be soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain moisture are ideal to store sown pots. Pachypodium saundersii seeds benefit from being pretreated with a light scarification from sandpaper or file. Scarification significantly reduces germination time as the seed coat is hard. Simply scratch the outer seed coat with the sandpaper or file to allow water to penetrate. After scarification, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting. Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep into a well draining potting mix and space them 1 to 2 inches apart from each other if they are in an individual pot. Germinating pots should be kept indoors out of extreme light and heat. Ideal germination temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F. Sown pots also benefit from heating mats during this time. Germination typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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