Adenium Obesum
ADENIUM OBESUM (Desert Rose)
Apocynaceae | Cactus
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes trees, shrubs, herbs, stem succulents, and vines, commonly known as the dogbane family.
Native To:
Tropical Southern, Eastern Africa/Arabia
Plant Status:
Secure
Plant Habit:
Succulent shrub grows red and pink flowers
Plant Habitat:
Temperate climate
Cultural Uses
Although the desert rose looks beautiful, the roots contain a sap that can cause heart failure in humans and even large game animals. In Africa, hunters coat their arrow tips in poisonous sap in order to kill some animals quickly. In small doses, the plant can also serve to treat skin diseases and infections.
Interesting Fact
The desert rose, like many other succulents and desert plants, is very resistant to damage and drought. It can live for hundreds of years and is a popular bonsai plant.