Desert rose

Adenium obesum

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, sap/juice, seeds, stems

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

eating any part; latex on skin

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Treat this plant as toxic to cats and dogs.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 11a to 12b (NC State); bring indoors at about 55 F.
Water needs: low
Mature size: Height 3 to 9 ft, width 3 to 5 ft (NC State).
Family: Apocynaceae (NC State)
Where it comes from: Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (NC State).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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