Adenium obesum DESERT ROSE (10 seeds)

Desert Rose, also known as the Impala Lily or Adenium obesum in Latin, is a succulent plant from the Apocynaceae family. It is a perennial shrub native to East Africa and Arabia.

Its flowers are delicate and colorful, generally in shades ranging from pink to red. They are funnel-shaped and typically measure between 3 and 5 centimeters in diameter.

Impala lily seeds are shaped like small sticks, orange in color, and measure an average of 1 centimeter in length.

The leaves are thick and very glossy; they release a toxic latex when cut.

- Uses:

Adenium obesum is mainly used as an ornamental plant due to its spectacular flowering and its massive trunk called a caudex. Its sculptural silhouette, which resembles a miniature baobab, makes it a choice subject for pot culture and the art of bonsai. It is particularly valued in xeriscaping for its ability to store water and withstand intense drought conditions.

On the medicinal and traditional level, various parts of the plant are used with extreme caution in some African cultures. Root and bark extracts are sometimes applied for external use to treat conditions. However, due to the presence of powerful cardiac glycosides, its internal use is prohibited, as the plant is highly toxic to humans and animals.

Do not consume.

Historically, its highly toxic sap was exploited for hunting. By boiling the stems and roots, hunters obtained a poison concentrate with which they coated their arrowheads to neutralize large game.

- Sowing and Germination:

• The best period to effectively sow the Desert Rose is during the months of May to July.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of fine potting soil mixed with sand.
• Bury them 5 millimeters deep and press the soil down.
• Gently spray with water.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse at a temperature of approximately 35°C.
• Germination will begin 2 to 3 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type and Substrate:

The soil should be rather sandy. Mix in a little potting soil to provide necessary nutrients. When planting in a pot, it is important to drain the bottom well with gravel, for example.

- Light and Exposure:

It acclimates to all kinds of light but prefers a full sun location. For artificial lighting, use MH or HPS lamps, though it will tolerate neons during the winter period.

- Temperature:

It grows best when the temperature ranges from 25 to 35°C; below this, growth slows significantly. Never let the temperature drop below 10°C.

- Watering and Humidity:

This arid-climate plant grows in very dry environments. It is important not to overwater; once a week is sufficient. Never leave stagnant water in the saucer (risk of root rot).

- Multiplication:

There are two methods to propagate the Kudu effectively: either by seeds or by "smothered" cuttings (cuttings under cover) using a healthy stem about 10 to 15 cm long.