Desert rose (Adenium obesum) is not a rose that grows in the desert, nor is it closely related or similar to a rose. It's actually a succulent flowering plant in the dogbane family.

The plant is a slow growing tree that has a thick trunk and waxy coating, so it can retain more water in a dry environment. The plant originates from tropical areas of eastern Africa, which means they need to store more water to survive in dry climate. Plus, the plant produces few flowers a year so it can save more energy.

Its flowers are usually pink or red. When you grow a desert rose plant, make sure it gets full sunlight and only water it when the soil is dry.

Here are some photos of this lovely plant.

(All images via VCG)

About 'Plants & Nations' 

"Plants & Nations" is a series of articles and pictures about common plants in the world. It serves as a guide to beautiful plants from different countries. 

For more articles, please click here:

Jacaranda: Australia's prettiest blooms

Winter cherry: A plant that looks like Chinese lantern

Bird of paradise: The plant with dramatic flowers

The chrysanthemum culture in Japan: beautiful, auspicious and royal

What does the rose mean for the Americans?

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)