Thursday, August 30, 2012

Desert Rose

Desert Rose, Adenium obesum

The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a striking plant with swollen succulent stems and deep red flowers. The plant is deciduous in cooler winters, but it can be kept in leaf provided there is sufficient warmth and light water. There is no part of these plants that doesn't command interest, from the dramatically swollen stems on older plants to the bright flowers to the tight clusters of narrow, green leaves. Beware, though, the sap of the Desert Rose is poisonous and should never come into contact with children or pets. If you get sap on yourself while handling the plant, wash your hands immediately.

Adenium belongs to the genera Apocynaceae, which is native to Africa, the Middle East and Madagascar. The Desert Rose (A. obesum) is the only Adenium found in wide cultivation, although it has been hybridized extensively to obtain different flower colors, including orange, white, striped and the traditional red. 

 Risk-taking, trust, and serendipity are key ingredients of joy. Without risk, nothing new ever happens. Without trust, fear creeps in. Without serendipity, there are no surprises. ~ Rita Golden Gelman




24 comments:

missmeggy said...

nice to know those facts about that flower. we have lots of them in our front yard. Mom calls them kalachuchi. I think that's the name of the flower here in our country :)

Lois Evensen said...

What eye popping color! Gorgeous!

EG CameraGirl said...

Lovely coloration the way the edges are dark the fade to white on each petal' The green or yellow in the centre is extra nice.

Candy C. said...

I had never heard of these, they are beautiful!! :)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Beautiful! Your flower "fotos" just keep getting better and better!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Wow, I've not seen a flower like this. The stems resemble frangipani and leaves aren't too different either but the flower is gorgeous!

Linda said...

Really wonderful - have a great weekend!!

NatureFootstep said...

I think this lovely lower is at it´s best in natural state.

Liz said...

They are beautiful Luna!

Pretty Weeds

Mariane (Denmark) said...

Marvellous, Fantastic, Beautiful - Splendid!!

Ida said...

This is gorgeous. Very similar to a plant I bought my mom this year called, Mandevilla Vine. Loved your processing.

Allie said...

Lovely photos! very unique!

Pat said...

Lovely work!

DeniseinVA said...

A gorgeous series of shots, thank you so much for sharing these with Today's Flowers.

Carletta said...

Beautiful shots and lovely editing!

Jama said...

It's a beauty! Lots of my neighbours have these in front of their high-rise apartments, a very common feature share by most Chinese dwellers, from my personal observations.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! I've only seen it in the greenhouses at the Botanic Garden.

Andrea said...

Hi Luna, have you been to the Phil Orchid Society Show at the Quezon City Circle? I you haven't yet, you should take the chance, 31Aug - 10 Sept 1012. It is better earlier so the plants are still fresh!

Carver said...

The flowers are very beautiful.

Vores have said...

Nice pictures you show of some beautiful flowers.
Wish you a good Sunday evening :)
Hanne Bente

SandyCarlson said...

Stunners, to be sure!

Beyond Wandering said...

These flowers are absolutely gorgeous, and you've captured them well.

LadyD Piano said...

So very beautiful. I've never seen a flower so lovely!

A wondering star said...

What a beauty of a soft blossom!
It was unknown to me!

True words from you! Sometimes we have to push the limits, it can be a source of growth.
Thanks for sharing