Pachypodium saundersii flowers

[DevonDave]

Hi,

I have buds on several of my Pachypodium saundersii plants this year but on one of them all but one of the flower buds have aborted and dropped off. On another plant things are looking more promising but they're developing so slowly I'm doubtful any will actually open. The plants are dropping their leaves and going into dormancy but as I understand it this is the time of the year when this species normally flowers. A few years back I did get a single flower to open on one of my plants but that's the only time I've had the pleasure of seeing the flower. I'm assuming the problem is due to our dull winters here in the UK but maybe someone has had better success or some advice. I'm also curious to know what happens if this plant is fertilised i.e. Do the seed horns develop on the plant through the winter or does develpment wait until dormancy ends in the spring? Some pics below.

[ralphrmartin]

I don't have this species, but my P. bispinosum / P. succulentum flower regularly for me. I've never had any seed pods though.

[DevonDave]

Thanks Ralph, Pachypodium succulentum and P. bispinosum both flower in the spring or early summer for me, either before coming into leaf or shortly after. I believe this happens in habitat too. The smaller Madagascan species I have (P. densiflorum, gracilius, horombense, brevicaule, rosulatum, windsori) also flower early in the season so P. saundersii behaves differently.

Dave

[peter831shaw]

great looking plant, mine are years away.....

Peter