Family: Apocynaceae
The desert rose is a succulent shrub/small tree that grows up to 12 feet tall. It is protected from harvesting in its native land of Socotra due to population decline and loss of habitat.
It varies dramatically from region to region in its bodily structure and shape due to differing climates. However, similar to baobab in its construction, both have a caudex (base of the trunk) to store water to prevent overheating. In addition, desert rose is covered with a waxy material, which further prevents overheating.
The succulent leaves are thick and cactus-like. A wrinkled caudex is a sought after botanical prize-they add character and is highly sought after. The flowers are striking and should not be overlooked. The desert rose is a desired bonsai tree for the most prominent collectors. Don’t be fooled by a look-alike species commonly called Thai socotranum, a much easier tree to grow and often confused with Adenium socotranum.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Ornamental
- Specimen
Plant Dangers:
- Toxic to animals and humans
High Risk Traits:
- Widely cultivated, increasing introduction risk.
- Seeds are wind-dispersed via a tuft of hairs (pappus).
- Toxic to humans and animals, reducing herbivory.
- Unpalatable to grazing animals.
Low Risk Traits:
- No record of naturalization or invasiveness anywhere.
- Not self-fertile; requires cross-pollination between two different plants.
- Requires specialist pollinators (e.g., hawk moths).
- Cannot spread vegetatively from fragments.
- Seeds are short-lived with no persistent soil seed bank.
- Cold-sensitive and frost-tender, limiting its range.
- Poor tolerance to mutilation; damaged plants are prone to fatal rot.
