Pachypodium succulentum thick, grey caudex

This swollen caudex of an old Pachypodium succulentum plant seen on Minwater near Oudtshoorn is large and grey. The food and drink storing caudices of this species are often turnip-shaped, more of it usually underground than visible here.

Dense leaf tufts are initially mainly upright at the branched stem-tips.

The surrounding stony ground is typical of the plant’s living conditions. This land receives little rain (Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 2017; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist).