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Adenium swazicum
Family: Apocynaceae
Common Names: summer-flowering impala lily Synonyms: Adenium obesum ssp. swazicum Geographic Origin: Adenium swazicum is native to the open, dry woodlands and grasslands within Swaziland, southern Mozambique, and South Africa. Description: A. swazicum is a dwarf, tree-like succulent that reaches a maximum of 2.5 feet in height. The trunk is thick and enlarged, with mature plants possessing massive roots, while younger plants demonstrate a visible caudex. A. swazicum can be differentiated from other Adenium species by the weaker greenish-gray stems and branches, and smaller overall form. The deciduous leaves are long, narrow, and glossy-green, usually lighter in color than other Adenium plants. During the summer, both leaves and flowers will be present, appearing in apical clusters and terminal inflorescences, respectively. The pink to purple flowers are showy and uniformly colored, although they occasionally possess darker throats. Brown, pod-like fruits will follow in twin pairs, and seeds will be attached to a dirty white tuft of hair. Interesting Features:
Cultivation and Care: - Watering: Low
- Lighting: Adenium swazicum tolerates full sun to partial shade, but will have decreased growth and will not flower under low light conditions.
- Special Accommodations: Although A. swazicum tolerates temperatures down to 30°F for short periods, it should be taken indoors below 50°F. Leaf drop and yellowing may occur under cold conditions, and the plant will die if exposed to any moisture.
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