White adeniums

摘要

The Apocynaceae family consists of some 180 genera, of which two, Adenium and Pachypodium, are succulent, and both produce some of the loveliest flowers among the succulents. Adenium occurs over much of Africa and into Arabia. In Africa it goes under several names, such as Sabi star, desert rose, star of Rhodesia and impala lily, as well as under a number of native names (Bisset, 1980). The plant itself is very poisonous and its sap is used by African hunters as an arrow poison. In South Africa the roots are used for medicinal purposes. Due to this poisonous nature, livestock and wild animals leave the plant well alone. Antelopes, however, are able to eat this plant without ill effects (Rowley).