Pachypodium namaquanum – Elephant’s Trunk (Halfmens), Caudiciform Succulent Tree, Grown in Elfin Forest, California

🌿 Description

Bring home a truly rare and otherworldly succulent — Pachypodium namaquanum, also known as the Halfmens or Elephant’s Trunk. Native to the arid, rocky slopes of Namibia and South Africa, this unusual species is slow-growing and highly sought after for its dramatic, columnar form and spiral leaf arrangement.

We grow all of our Pachypodium namaquanum from seed right here in Elfin Forest, California, giving them the best start possible in sunny, well-drained conditions. Their sculptural beauty and extreme drought tolerance make them a prized addition to any collector's garden or bright indoor space.

Each plant is sold by pot size and approximate caudex diameter. Please refer to the photos for visual examples of each available size. 

Larger specimens may be available upon request — please contact us if you're interested in a bigger size. 

✅ Description Highlights

• Distinctive single-trunk succulent tree with thick base and tapering top
• Covered in sharp spines and crowned by a tuft of undulating grey-green leaves
• Winter grower; slow (~1 -3 cm/year)
• Blooms with sweet, reddish tubular flowers in spring
• Native to Namaqualand; adapted to severe seasonal drought
• Locally grown in Elfin Forest, California
• Collector’s plant — rare and architecturally striking
• Hardy in USDA Zones 9a–11b
• ⚠️ Sap mildly toxic; handle with care and keep away from pets and children

🛠️ Basic Care

• Light: Full sun or bright indirect light
• Water: Allow soil to fully dry between thorough waterings
• Soil: Extremely well-draining mix—e.g. coarse sand/pumice + organics
• Dormancy: Reduced water and leaf drop may occur during cooler winter
• Hardiness: Protect below 32 °F (0 °C); USDA Zones 9a–11b
• Fertilizer: dilute succulents fertilizer lightly during winter growth season only

📦 Shipping & Guarantee

We are currently unable to ship live plants to Florida or Hawaii due to regulations.

We offer a flat shipping rate of $10 per order, no matter how many plants / cuttings you purchase. All orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, which typically arrives in 1–3 business days. If you would like to upgrade to Express, just send us a message before checking out.

Cuttings are packed carefully to ensure they arrive healthy and intact.

Weather Note: Please keep an eye on your local forecast before ordering. If temperatures are below 55°F in your area, we recommend purchasing a heat pack, available as a separate item in our shop. This helps protect your plant during transit in cold conditions.

Please message us within 24 hours of delivery with a photo if there are any issues with your order. We’ll do our best to make it right.

Please Note: Each plant is unique and may vary slightly in size, shape, and color. Growth and performance after delivery depend on your care and environment, so we cannot guarantee plant performance beyond arrival.