Adenium (Apocynaceae)
The genus Adenium contains around five species of deciduous succulent perennials to small trees, which grow in deserts and semi-deserts, from South Africa (Natal) and Zimbabwe through eastern Africa to Socotra. They are very poisonous, and are used to kill fish, to put on the tips of arrowheads, or as a means of torture. Their most beautiful flowers are particularly striking when they appear in an otherwise parched landscape.

Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. (Apocynaceae) A succulent shrub with thick grey stems, obovate leaves and pink, red or white flowers, native of the dry parts of East Africa, from Socotra S to Natal, growing in dry rocky and sandy areas, flowering in summer. Stems to 2 m, sometimes partly underground; leaves to 15cm. Flowers 2–5cm long. A lovely shrub for a hot dry climate, difficult but not impossible in a pot, given little water, and then only in summer.
Cultivation Grow in sandy soil in a dry site. Needs very little water, mainly in summer. Plant away from any irrigation.
Height to 5m (16ft); spread to 1.5m (5ft). USZ 10–11, surviving -1°C (30°F) of overnight frost. Tolerant of summer drought.