Pachypodium.org
Pachypodium rutenbergianum meridionale
This subspecies of rutenbergianum occurs in Southern Madagascar.
The deciduos 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 smaller than the type plant, white salverform and resemble that of lealii with a yellow center and the smell of perfume. Meridionale 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 subspecies is not widely cultivated. Seedlings will grow quickly compared to other Pachypodium species.