Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

18/05/2012

The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. 1819), also called Impala Lily, Sabi Star, Kudu or Mock Azalea is a tropical succulent shrub, native to East Africa and Arabia.


As the desert rose belongs to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) and is a relative to the Plumeria (Frangipani), it`s often confused with it. Desert roses grow up to a height of about 3-4 meters, rarely up to 6 meters and are very popular houseplants. The plant seems to be perfect to create outstanding flowering Bonsai plants. There are quite a few Desert Rose Bonsai Clubs, especially in our home country Thailand and award winning plants can reach a very high price. In Africa the highly toxic sap is used as an arrow poison for big game hunting, but is also in use in nature medicine. The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) requires a well drained soil, full sun, a very balanced watering (not too dry, not too wet) and will not tolerate freezing temperatures. If kept too dry or with cold temperatures the tropical plant will drop its leaves. In tropical conditions the Desert Rose blooms all year round. Nowadays there is also a big variety of exotic multi-colored Adenium hybrids available, some of them are created through grafting on Oleander (Nerium oleander) or other Adenium species.


© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)


© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

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