Desert Rose
Adenium obesum · Apocynaceae
How it looks
Desert Rose is a succulent shrub with slender branches emerging from a thick, swollen grey to brown stem base (caudex). The leaves are glossy and oval, gathered at the branch tips, and the funnel-shaped flowers in pink to deep red bloom at the branch tips. It is commonly sold in bonsai form.
Deadly — cardiac arrest
All parts of Desert Rose (Desert Rose) contain cardiac glycosides; even a small amount can cause arrhythmias, vomiting, and depression, and in serious cases this can progress to cardiac arrest.
Guide for parents
Desert Rose (Desert Rose) is sometimes grown as a garden or ornamental plant, but never bring it into a space where a cat lives. The leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and even the vase water are all dangerous. Don't leave cut stems lying around — dispose of them immediately. If you suspect ingestion, head to a 24-hour animal hospital right away even if there are no symptoms. Cardiac toxicity can appear late, so the golden window is very short.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 6–24 hours after ingestion (symptoms may be delayed)
- Symptoms
- Cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Go to a 24-hour animal hospital immediately. Don't wait, even if there are no symptoms.
Details
- Scientific name
- Adenium obesum
- Common name
- Desert Rose
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Cardiac glycosides (adenin, Oleandrin family)
- Source
- ASPCA
