Adenium Socotranum Trees
The Adenium genus consists of a number of closely related plants, collectively known as desert roses. They all have a swollen trunk and a small crown of irregular branches. Adeniums are grown for their colorful, tubular flowers, which may measure up to 3 inches across. They all belong to the same species, Adenium obesum. Many horticulturalists consider different Adenium subspecies to be completely separate species. Does this Spark an idea?
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Adenium Socotranum
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Adenium socotranum is the name given to the desert rose subspecies native to the Indian Ocean island of Socotra. Adenium socotranum should be known as Adenium obesum socotranum, reflecting its current status as a subspecies rather than a full species. It is sometimes sold under the name golden crown adenium.
Description
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Adenium socotranum has a thick trunk and produces small, pink flowers. Among the largest of the desert roses, it may reach heights of 10 feet or higher with a crown 8 feet across. The dark-green leaves, which have a white midrib and pale veins, grow up to 5 inches long and 1.6 inches wide. The pink flowers, which appear throughout the year, may be 5 inches wide.
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Container Growing
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Grow Adenium socotranum in a heavy ceramic pot that will prevent it from toppling and encourage the soil to dry out between waterings. Choose a wide pot, as the swelling stem can crack standard containers. Plant in a free-draining compost formulated for succulents. Water when the top inch of the soil is completely dry and make sure all excess water drains away. Place the container in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the warmer months of the year.
Overwintering
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Move your Adenium socotranum indoors before minimum night temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Place it in a cool greenhouse or a room with a temperature of between 40 and 50 degrees.
Adenium socotranum tends to shed leaves during the winter. Water only if the swollen stem starts to shrivel.
Landscape Growing
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Plant Adenium socotranum — at the depth it is planted in its original container — on a mound or slope and make sure the soil drains freely. Choose the sunniest available spot with free-draining or even stony soil. Never plant it within range of garden sprinklers or in areas prone to flooding or water-logging. Take care not to damage the stems of roots as this can cause rotting. If minimum night temperatures in your area regularly drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, consider growing your Adenium socotranum in a container.
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References
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; The Genus Adenium in Cultivation; Mark A Dimmitt and Chuck Hanson
- Tropica Nursery: Adenium Species - Notes & Observations
- University of Florida; Desert Rose; John McLaughlin and Joe Garofalo; September 2002
- University of Arkansas; Caudiciform Plants; Gerald Klingaman; June 30, 2010
