Plant Name:
Desert Rose
Latin Name:
Adenium obesum
Plant Type:
Succulent
About
“Adenium obesum, more commonly known as a desert rose, is a poisonous species of flowering plant belonging to the tribe Nerieae of the subfamily Apocynoideae of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. All parts of the desert rose contain sap, a highly toxic substance because the sap that flows in roots, stems, green leaves, and bark is loaded with toxic chemical agents. The plant also consists of dangerous compounds like Hongheloside A, D, E, and F, digitalinum verum, somaline, digitalinum verum hexacetate, and digitalis-like glycosides.
Cardiac glycosides obstruct the muscles of the heart, whereas cardioactive steroids bring the heart rate to an abnormally slow pace.
These poisonous agents adversely affect the enzymes regulating the movement of ions in the body.
Consequently, the sap of the desert rose disrupts the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and electrolyte levels.”