Family: Apocynaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Pachypodium eburneum (often called ivory pachypodium or Madagascar “palm”) is native to central Madagascar, where it grows in dry, rocky habitats. Despite its common name, it is not a true palm but a slow-growing succulent shrub with a swollen, water-storing trunk (caudex) and thick, spiny stems. It produces attractive white flowers and is valued as an ornamental plant in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and container collections, especially among succulent enthusiasts for its striking sculptural form and drought tolerance.

Risks & Threats
This species is considered low risk and is not known to be naturalized or invasive in Hawaiʻi. It has not shown tendencies to spread aggressively or disrupt natural ecosystems. As with other members of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), it may contain a milky sap that can be irritating or toxic if ingested, so care should be taken when handling. In cultivation, its main limitations are its sensitivity to cold and need for well-drained, dry conditions rather than any ecological threat.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Spiny
  
• Genus reportedly toxic
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Reaches maturity in 2 years
  
• Seeds likely dispersed by wind and people

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Specialized pollinator requirements (likely limits seed set outside native range)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively