Here’s a detailed description of the Adenium plant, commonly known as the Desert Rose:
Adenium Plant Description
The Adenium plant (Adenium obesum), commonly known as Desert Rose, is a striking, drought-tolerant succulent native to arid regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is admired for its unique, swollen trunk and bright, funnel-shaped flowers.
Physical Features:
Stem & Trunk:
The most distinctive feature is the thick, swollen trunk (caudex), used for storing water.
The plant often has a sculptural appearance, especially in bonsai form.
Leaves:
Leaves are glossy, green, and may be oval, lance-shaped, or spirally arranged.
They are usually concentrated at the tips of the branches.
Flowers:
Large, showy, and trumpet-shaped with five petals.
Flowers are typically pink, red, white, or bicolor, often with a contrasting throat.
Blooming occurs in warm months and may last for weeks.
Height:
Grows up to 3–10 feet tall in the ground, but usually smaller in containers.
Growth Habit:
Grows as a small shrub or tree, often cultivated as a bonsai or potted ornamental.
Slow-growing but can live for many years with proper care.
Habitat & Care:
Thrives in hot, dry climates and full sun.
Requires well-drained, sandy or cactus soil to prevent root rot.
Very drought-tolerant; overwatering is a common cause of plant death.
Should be protected from frost and cold temperatures.
Needs minimal pruning and benefits from regular feeding during the growing season.
Uses:
Popular as an ornamental plant in gardens, patios, and indoors in bright locations.
Valued for bonsai and landscape design in warm climates.
Sometimes used in traditional medicine, but caution: All parts are toxic if ingested, especially to pets and children.
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