Elephant's trunk, Halfmens
Pachypodium namaquanum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A succulent plant. It has a swollen stem. It grows 3 m tall. It has lumps with a spine at the end arranged in spirals around the stem. The leaves are in rings at the top and are 3-12 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The fruit are follicles 2.5-4 cm long. They have grey hairs and taper to the tip. There are many flattened seeds.

Plants are protected by law.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on rocky arid slopes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Caution, poisonous

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Plants are slow growing and can last for many years. It can be grown by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Adenium namaquanum Wyley ex Harv.;