The tree is not a palm. It's protection against being eaten by animals are long, sharp, stiff needles that grow everywhere along the trunk and branches. Walking near this plant requires respect for this effective defense. Normally, the lamerei is not nearly so broad and spectacular. Here is a group of young plants growing at Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami that are more typical.
Flowers are in spring through the summer, on and off through all the warm months.
Blooms are not made until the plant is older. Prior to it's first bloom of the spring, this pachypodium produces amazing seed pods that look like cucumbers. Left alone, they eventually open along the seam revealing great numbers of white-winged seeds. Sandy soil with peat moss and excellent drainage is recommended. As with many succulents, water lightly but consistently and feed heavily for maximum growth speed and beauty.