A semi-succulent shrub or small tree to 3m with thickened lower stems and swollen base cultivated as a garden ornamental. The bark is smooth and grey. Flowers are 2.5-5cm long, funnel-shaped, 5-lobed and clustered at the ends of branches, white, pink or red in colour often pale with a darker margin. Leaves are leathery in texture, clustered towards the ends of the branches and spirally arranged. They are broadest above the middle (obovate) or oblong or elliptic in shape with a rounded apex, 5-22cm long and 0.5-6cm wide. Leaves can be hairy or not.
All parts of the plant are toxic. Symptoms may include slow heart beat, low blood pressure, lethargy, dizziness and stomach upset.
The soil should be moist, not wet, and there should be no standing water. Use a well-drained soil and allow the soil mix to dry out thoroughly before watering again. If you plant directly into the landscape, be certain to position your Adenium on a bit of an incline so the water can drain off after heavy rains.
