Adenium Somalense

Adenium somalense is another variable species. It occurs from Somalia south into Kenya and Tanzania. In Somalia and adjacent areas of Kenya this plant becomes a small tree, to 15 feet tall, with a massively swollen trunk. In other areas, it is more shrubby and similar to A. obesum. The flowers are a bit smaller but otherwise similar to A. obesum. There is a beautiful miniature form of this, A. somalense var. crispum (see photo). It forms a very large thickened underground caudex, from which grow a few slender stems, usually no more than 1 ft. tall. The flowers are smaller than most other adeniums, but with beautiful red and white striping. It makes a desirable bonsai subject. A few succulent nurseries carry this form.