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Pachypodium lealii saundersii
This subspecies occurs in Eastern Zimbabwe and South Africa and is named in honor of its discoverer, Sir Charles Saunders.
The deciduous leaves are deep green, obovate and extremely glossy with fine sawtooth wavy edges. The trunk is a smooth greyish silver that is considerably larger than its branches. Spines are in clusters of three where the leaves are located. This species flowers easily in cultivation in the Fall in the Northern Hemisphere. The flowers are a pure white salverform with a striking perfume scent that is only released at night. Flowers will set in the second year in good conditions. Saundersii should be given full light and plenty of water during the warmer months and considerably less water in the cool months. Do not let this specimen sit damp in cool weather. It is definitely tender and should not be exposed to frost. Seedlings grow fairly quickly compared to other Pachypodium species. This subspecies is also known as the light bulb plant with its bulb shape in the first year of growth.
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