Adenium obesum is evergreen or drought-deciduous succulent shrub. It can grow to 1-3 m (3.3-9.8 ft) in height. The flowers are tubular, 2-5 cm (0.79-1.97 in) long, with the outer portion 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 in) diameter with five petals, resembling those of other related genera such as Plumeria and Nerium. The flowers tend to red and pink, often with a whitish blush outward of the throat. Common names include Sabi star, kudu, mock azalea, impala lily and desert rose.

It is a poisonous species of flowering plant. Adenium obesum produces a sap in its roots and stems that contains cardiac glycosides. This sap is used as arrow poison for hunting large game throughout much of Africa and as a fish toxin.

Adenium obesum is a popular houseplant and bonsai in temperate regions. It requires a sunny location and a minimum indoor temperature in winter of 10 C (50 F). It thrives on a xeric watering regime as required by cacti. A. obesum is commonly propagated by seed.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Seeds per packet: 5