Adenium multiflorum stems

The thickset stem of Adenium multiflorum grows from a large tuberous rootstock. The bark is smooth and grey or brown on the soft, succulent stems that may curve slightly. The stems contain a water latex that may be poisonous.

The impala lily has three strikingly dissimilar guises at different times of year: bearing flowers, bearing leaves and being bare. Even when there are only stems to see, the plant may be recognised by the shape and texture of these stems (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Onderstall, 1984; www.plantzafrica.com).