The city of Aden, for which the genus Adenium is named
The desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a perennial succulent in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Despite its name, this plant is not related to the rose. Rather, it is akin to the oleander, another member of the dogbane family.
Name and Origin
The Adenium genus, which includes the desert rose, is named for the Yemeni port city of Aden. Desert roses are indigenous to both the Arabian peninsula and Africa. The Latin name for this plant's species, obesum, means "fat". This title refers to the succulent's rotund form.
Description
Desert rose in bloom
The trunk of the desert rose is gray-brown in color. It is swollen and bulging near the base, thinning as it grows. It bears many branches covered in fleshy, shiny dark green ovate leaves. In the spring and again in September, tubular five-petaled flowers appear. These flowers may be pink, purple, red or white in color.
Growing Conditions
Like many succulents, desert roses prefer hot, dry, sunny conditions and well-drained, sandy soils.
Warning
The milky sap of the desert rose is extremely poisonous. For this reason, this plant should be kept away from children and pets. In Africa, this deadly sap is used to make poisoned arrows.
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