Day 124: What Adeniums lack in leaves, they make up for in bloom. Admittedly, this is a rather poor showing, but "Star Cluster" was purchased at the end of the season and promptly shed all of its leaves save one upon being transplanted to its permanent pot. Eventually, it will live up to its name, displaying six or more flowers at the tip of its woody stalk. Leathery leaves will follow as the flowers drop, and if I'm lucky, it may put out a side branch. That said, another interesting appeal to this African beauty is the swollen caudex from which the stalk arises (not shown in the photo). The caudex husbands moisture to allow these plants to survive drought and heat. Adeniums come in a variety of hues from nearly black through red and purple shades into pale yellow. Some have coloured centers like "Star Cluster," but if you're expecting dense foliage, take your search elsewhere. Leave the Adeniums to those of us who don't mind nursing "dead" stems for months on end to obtain a few weeks of large, showy flowers.
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