The Adenium plant, widely known as the Desert Rose, is a striking ornamental plant admired for its sculptural stem, thick trunk, and vibrant flowers. It is often used in landscaping and bonsai due to its unique form and resilience in arid environments.

🌺 Botanical Overview
Feature Description
Scientific Name Adenium obesum
Common Names Desert Rose, Mock Azalea, Impala Lily
Family Apocynaceae (same as plumeria and oleander)
Origin Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
🌿 Plant Description
Feature Description
Type Succulent shrub or small tree
Height Typically 1–3 meters (3–10 feet), can be kept small in pots or bonsai
Trunk Swollen, bottle-shaped base (caudex) that stores water; thick, sculptural form
Leaves Glossy, green, and leathery; clustered at branch tips
Flowers Trumpet-shaped, 5-petaled; colors range from pink, red, white, to bicolors
Bloom Time Spring to fall; blooms repeatedly in warm conditions
🌵 Growing Conditions

Climate: Tropical and subtropical; drought-tolerant and heat-loving

Light: Full sun (essential for blooming)

Soil: Well-draining, sandy or cactus mix soil

Watering: Infrequent but deep; allow soil to dry out between waterings

Temperature: Cannot tolerate frost; bring indoors if temps drop below 10°C (50°F)

Propagation: By seeds or stem cuttings (cuttings may not develop the same thick caudex)

🌸 Uses
Use Description
Ornamental Grown in gardens, containers, patios, and bonsai
Bonsai Popular for training into miniature trees due to its natural form
Landscape Ideal for xeriscaping (drought-tolerant gardens)

⚠️ Toxicity Warning: All parts of the Adenium plant contain a toxic sap (cardiac glycosides), which can be harmful if ingested by humans or pets. The latex was traditionally used for arrow poison in Africa.

💡 Special Features

Caudex (swollen base): One of its most eye-catching features, especially in bonsai culture

Long Blooming Period: Produces flowers over many months in warm weather

Low Maintenance: Excellent for beginners in warm, dry climates

🧪 Scientific & Cultural Notes

Often confused with plumeria, but it is more drought-tolerant and has a fatter stem.

Symbolizes resilience, endurance, and beauty in harsh conditions.

Used in some folk medicines, but due to its toxicity, this is strongly discouraged without professional guidance.