Pachypodium lamerei

I like it spiky! The Pachypodium lamerei, or Madagascar jewel, is one of my favorite plants. I discovered it a few years ago in a nature documentary. I love how it actually is succulent but still looks like a weirdly shaped palm. In nature, it can reach impressive heights of up to 8 m. It also produces beautiful white flowers. But the best thing: it spits its seed! They explosively propel out of the apex of the plant and make this funny popping sound. Total Madness!

My care tip: Unlike some other cacti and succulents, it doesn’t need a cooler location in winter. So, just keep it nice and warm in the room, perhaps by a south-facing window.