Adenium obesum - Desert rose ( Apocynaceae)
Adenium Thumbnail page 1 Adenium obesum seedling Adenium Hybrid "White"
The desert rose originally comes from East Africa to South Arabia where it can be found
growing in rocky savannahs and deserts. Due to its beautiful flowers Adenium is being
cultivated throughout the tropics but the many cultivars and forms are not yet as popular as one
might think. Desert roses are succulent, sparsely branching and slow growing but can event-
ually reach a height of 7'. However, in Africa old specimens can be found which have grown
15' tall.
Adeniums are semi-evergreen and will drop their leaves only for short periods if kept warm
and provided with sufficient water. In nature a dormant period of several months is normal due
to drought and cool temperatures. For this reason the desert rose is a versatile easy to grow
plant that will endure lack of water and cool weather. Grows well in containers and may be used
in tropical garden designs as well as in rock-gardens etc.
The desert rose requires a fair amount of light and should be grown in full sun.
Apart from a number of species there are many clones and hybrids in cultivation with colors
ranging form pure white over mauve to pink and bright red.
Note: the plant sap of some Adenium species is poisonous
Rooted cuttings, small seedlings and grafted plants available on request.
More pictures of Adenium varieties will be posted soon.