Adenium species: Desert rose, mock azalea

Family

Apocynaceae

Common Name

Desert rose, mock azalea, desert azalea, impala lily, kudu lily

Plant Description

Adenium is a genus with one variable species originating from the desert areas of the Arabian peninsula extending South into Africa. It has characteristic swollen trunks and brilliant funnel-shaped flowers. Leaves are glossy, lanceolate, and produced in whorls at the tips of the branches. The plant is usually leafless when in flower. Flower color can vary from pale pink to deep red in the tropical dry season. Varieties of this species are becoming popular potted houseplants and garden plants in hot climactic zones (Fig. 17 and Fig. 18).

Figure 17. Adenum flowers.

Figure 18. Adenium obesum.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

Some 30 cardiac glycosides with similarity to the toxic glycosides found in oleander and Acokanthera species, have been isolated from the plant. The plant has been used as a source of arrow poison in Africa [1,2].

Risk Assessment

Although there are no reported cases of poisoning in animals, this plant is sufficiently toxic to warrant caution in introducing it to a household where the plant may be consumed by animals.

Clinical Signs

If a toxic dose of the plant is consumed a variety of cardiac arrhythmias, heart block, and death could be anticipated. Treatment would be as for oleander poisoning, or other cardiac glycoside toxicities.