IMPALA LILY (Adenium multiflorum), is a small, deciduous succulent tree (member of the succulent family – Apocynaceae) and originates from the grassy regions and dry woodlands of South Africa.

Appearance: Of note, this small tree resembles an African baobab in miniature form. A large underground rootstock produces the stems and the tree bark colors are usually brown or grey. Generally, the tree is devoid of leaves most of the time, but eventually produces smooth evergreen leaves before flowering and then drop giving way to an abundance of sweetly scented bi-colored flowers ranging from red, pink and white. Blooming usually occurs from May to September and afterwards, the tree produces seed pods are long, brown and slightly hairy.

USDA Plant Hardiness: Zones: 10-11

Height: 10 – 12 feet if allowed to mature

Width: 6 feet

Plant Care Requirements:  Prefers full sun and well – draining sandy, slightly gravelly soil. Adenium multiflorum is drought tolerant and as a succulent plant, will benefit from a generous but infrequent soaking but allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. The plants benefit from regular fertilizing.  Can be grown as a container plant both indoor and outdoors but will require specialized potting medium and care. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the potting medium when planting. They will not tolerate any frost or cold and will need to be protected. Their watering needs will need to be monitored during hot weather but again, they will not survive if overwatered.

Pests and diseases: If grown indoors or in containers, the usual suspects such as whiteflies, mealy bugs, spider mites, aphids and whiteflies often infest plants. Root rot can also occur if the plant is overwatered.

Propagation:  Can be grown from seeds but due to the long growing duration: 4 to 5 years, propagation by cuttings or grafting is recommended.

Warning: Adenium multiflorum is a perfect container plant our outdoor focal plant due to its ability to produce an abundance of stunning fragrant flowers and its unusual form.  However, the milky like latex from the bark is toxic to humans and animals.