Adenium multiflorum (Sabi Star)

Adenium multiflorum [A.obesum var. multifiorum (Klotsch) Codd] (Figs. 3, 4) is very different from A.obesum both horticulturally and geographically. It occurs on the east side of southern Africa, in Mozambique and the countries bordering it on the west and south. Neither Plaizier (1980) nor Rowley (undated) show any geographic overlap with A.obesum on their distribution maps, though Rowley says that intergrades occur. (They easily cross in cultivation.)

In nature the plants are tall, multiple-stemmed shrubs (Plaizier, 1980). In cultivation they are always thick, sturdy, and upright. As in A.obesum, there is no distinct caudex in mature cultivated plants, but they have very enlarged stems and roots. Seedlings have a prominent, ovoid caudex for the first several years. The leaves are large and very broad.

In distinct contrast with A.obesum, this species has an obligatory long winter dormancy. Regardless of growing conditions, the leaves fall in autumn; growth will not resume for at least four months, longer in cool or dry conditions.

Adenium multiflorum flowers profusely for two to four months in winter while leafless, never at other times. The petals are white with sharply defined red edges (Fig. 4). There are always 15 prominent red nectar guides in the white throat (three per petal). The anther appendages equal or exceed the throat. Flowers average about 6-7 cm (2 1/2 inches) in diameter, and the petals are more pointed than those of A.obesum.

Adenium multiflorum grow vigorously from seed, but mature at a larger size than plants of A.obesum. Plants rarely flower until they are 4 to 5 years old. Cuttings of A.muitiflorum develop thick roots and stems and make good specimens after a few years. This taxon is in cultivation but is a distant second to A.obesum in availability, probably because of its slower growth and shorter blooming season.

Adenium multiflorum - a deciduous succulent shrub or small tree, 0.5-3 m tall. The shape of the plant resembles a miniature baobab. Shiny grey to brown swollen, succelent stems arise from a large underground rootstock. They produce poisonous watery latex. Sweetly scented terminal inflorescences, each flower 50-70 mm in diameter, the colours can vary greatly. The leaves are shed before the terminal inflorescences appear (spring).

Distribution: from southeastern Zambia, through Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, to Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and Swaziland. Endangered species in these areas, with the exception of South Africa.

Toxicity - It is a source of fish poison and arrow poison, always in combination with other poisons. Leafs and flowers are not poisonous.

Other names - UK mock azalea, desert rose, kudu lily, Sabi star - D Wüstenrose, Impala-Lilie - Afrikaans Impalalelie.

Books
Vincent Carruthers (ed.) - The Wildlife of Southern Africa. Struik Publ. ISBN 1-86872-451-4
Wild Flowers of South Africa, ed. JP Rourke. Struik Publ. 1996. ISBN 1-82825-897-1
Weblinks
South African National Biodiversity Institute University of Wisconsin, Horticulture