Adenium somalense (Desert Rose)

Botanical name: Adenium somalense

Common name: Desert Rose

Origin: Arabia and East Africa

Growing to a height of about 4-5ft, this succulent plant is a member of the same family as Plumeria. Its swollen, often twisted trunk is pale grey, the leaves are glossy and club-shaped, and the flowers, which appear almost continuously, are trumpet-shaped and range from white and bright pink to crimson, red. It exudes a highly toxic sap which in some places is used as a poison for arrows. Adenium is not generally grown in moist tropical gardens but is often seen as a decorative pot plant; it may also be used in rock gardens. It needs full sun and a well-drained potting mixture. Exotic multi-color varieties can be grafted on the same plant. See other exotic species of Adenium, photo gallery of exotic varieties and Thai Adeniums - milti-colored, multi-grafted.

See article about Adenium.