On-topic discussions in this forum include conversations about both outdoor- and indoor-grown caudiciforms and pachycaul trees. I'd welcome replies to this post from the forum participants to create a list of, say, the ten most common cultivated plants of each (both scientific and common names) to start this forum off on the right foot.
Caudiciform Plants: These plants often have large, swollen tubers or bulb-like structures at the base of the plant. Pachycaul (Thickened Stem) Plants/Trees: These plants often have a swollen trunk. *Note: Some species will exhibit both characteristics of caudiciform and pachycaul. Often this is due to how the specific plant is cultivated and/or the degree of maturity. Examples of Commonly Cultivated Species: 1. Crassula ovata (Jade Plant) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jade_plant 2. Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar Palm) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachypodium_lamerei 3. Beaucarnea/Nolina recurvata (Ponytail Palm) http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/bea-rec-sub.asp 4. Adenium sp. (Desert Rose) http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/ade-obe-sub.asp 5. Chorisia speciosa (Pink Kapok, Silk Floss Tree) http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/chor_spe.cfm 6. Adansonia digitata (Baobab Tree) http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/ada-dig-sub.asp 7. Calibanus hookeri (Mexican Boulder) http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/cal-hoo-sub.asp 8. Cycas sp. & Encephalartos sp.(Cycad Palms) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalartos; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycadaceae 9. Brachychiton repestre/rupestris (Australian/Queensland Bottle Tree) http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/bra-rup-sub.asp 10. Jatropha podagrica (Budda-belly Plant) http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/jat-pod-sub.asp 11. Ficus palmeri (Rock Fig) http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/fic-pet-sub.asp
I did a little survey in town today and will add a couple that seem to be common in the box stores right now: Pachira aquatica, commonly called Money Plant or Money Tree. Ornithogallum caudatum, a member of the Lily family, commonly sold as "Pregnant Onion." Portulacaria afra, common name is Elephant Plant. I noticed several of the variegated variety for sale. There are many less common ones that are available from dealers and some can run into big bucks! I'm sure this list will grow as we think of more. :o) Bill
There's someone wanting one identified . . . please check this thread: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=25045 (I don't know what it is)
I'm happy to see a forum on these plants. Sometime in the last year or two I posted a question about my Pachypodium (now I forget which species it is, but it says in my original post) and never really got a satisfactory reply. Should I repost my question (since I'm still having the same problem with it), or will it eventually be moved into this forum? It was a question regarding crystalline droplets forming on the new leaves and spines, and new leaves that shrivel up and brown before they're even fully grown. Thanks, Tuula
I would suggest that you re-post it. It should be transferred but.......:o). Just post it as a new thread. Bill
