The desert rose is native to dry regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Madagascar. This means it can easily withstand bright hot sun and minimal water. These are a popular bonsai tree and the truck grows into a wide baobab-esque shape. This plant is not a true rose and classified in the dogbane family, but still adorned with widely varying colorful flowers.

The sap, along with most parts of the plant, are poisonous and should not be consumed. In this way the sap is utilized by African hunters, who will cover arrowheads with it. In Africa, this plant is considered traditional medicine, and is available pharmacologically in Oman and used for antiviral, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidants.

Once established, this plant is easy to maintain. It is generally resistant to common garden pests such as aphids or melebugs, but should be monitored for slugs and caterpillars. They go through a dormancy period, so don’t be considered if it starts to drop leaves and not produce flowers. Still, it should maintain some leaves, so be cognizant for pests in those cases.