Adenium obesum - Desert rose

I've always thought of Adenium obesum (Desert rose) as miniature Frangipani (Plumeria). The strong resemblance is in the bare fleshy stems carrying terminal leaves and bunches of flowers. Both have thick succulent stems which exude a milky sap when any part of the plant is cut. But here the similarity ends, as the stems of the Adeniums grow increasingly in girth, thereby earning its moniker 'obesum'.

The Chinese consider Adeniums as  auspicious plants. 

As if mindful of their obligations and duties, my Adeniums bloomed right on cue, just in time for the Chinese New Year. It is framed by the fan-like leaves of the Licuala grandis (Fan palm).

This has chilly red flowers and white corollas. It is always the first one to flower. I take this as the harbinger of the Adenium season when the weather is warmer and dryer. 

However, throughout the CNY period this year, it has been raining cats and dogs . Certain parts of the city were flooded.

 Blooms last up to a week if placed away from direct sunlight. The uprighr blades of Walking Iris is to the left.

The petals are thick and feels velvety while the white corolla is covered with fine hairs and this extend to the stamens too.


 

This photo of the Adenium plant was taken about 18 months ago. 

This was taken about one year later. As you can see from the two pictures above, Adeniums grow slowly.

At the moment, about 8 months later, the only two branches have grown longer. It looks leggy but I let it be as it always seems to be blooming. The Calamansi plant is from two CNY seasons ago. Fruits are scanty as they have been harvested for adding zest to drinks and food.
 

This variety is white with radiating tongues of red from the centre towards the edge of each petal.

 

The flower is basically white, trimmed in black and red. 

As the flower matures, the white portion gradually turns to pink, 

while the black trim turns to dark purple.

This has a pink lavender hue and a deep red to maroon corrolla 

 
In the pink variety, the stamens and stigma appear to be fused together.

A single seed pod has many seeds. Tufts of hair are found on each end of the seed.

Year of the Water Snake (2013)

A pink Adenium obesum to signify the celebration of the Spring Festival according to the Chinese solar-lunar calender. The double-headed snake bangle is from my sister's antique silver collection.

 

Seeing Red in Kuala Lumpur - Chinese New Year 2013

Officially Chinese New Year celebrations last for two days in Malaysia; on the 10 and 11 and stretching to 12 February as the first day overlap a Sunday. However most Chinese, particularly those who are self-employed take the opportunity to celebrate the full 15 days. As usual, soothsayers, fortune tellers and Feng Shui masters are kept busy with forecasts and horoscopes for individuals and corporations with the arrival of each new lunar year. Meanwhile shopping malls in the city are all decked out in red and gold to usher in a prosperous 2013, with hopes that robust retail will keep their cash registers ringing throughout the year.

A Chinese junk sails in and berthed at Sunway Pyramid, bring with it an abundance of goods.

Suspended Lanterns over the ice-skating rink at Sunway Pyramid.

The humongous lantern at Kuala Lumpur Suria (KLCC)

Flying cranes and oriental-style clouds at Berjaya Times Square

Dancing lions strutting their stuff at Berjaya Times Square.

The pair of dancing lions prancing vigorously to thunderous drumbeats.
  

The prize for the dancing lions - a red packet with cash.

AT THE GARDENS

Flaming Red Oriental Lanterns at Gardens.

Floral compostion of Magnolias, Chrysantehmums, Camelias and Plum Bolssoms on sheer red silk screen at the Gardens

AT MID-VALLEY

 

 At entrance to Atrium of Centre Court of Mid-Valley, huge containers of Chrysanthemums were sited.

 Red lanterns and plum blossoms borne on tall trees are seen at the central court atrium of Mid Valley.

Fake mustard-yellow flowers and scarlet Heliconiums juxtapose prettily with real flowers.

Masses of pussy willows with their silvery silky buds reminds us of Spring.

Depictions of courtyard scenes in houses in ancient China.

 The atrium was also decked out with both fresh and fake flowers, creating a riot of colours.

  

AT PAVILLION

Window dressing of multi-hued spring blossoms at a retail outlet in Pavilion.


Pavilion went fishy this year with jumping carps for abundance and vitality.

Carp lanterns swimming airily among the traditional round lanterns.


A curtain of lanterns present a facade of prosperity, positive vibes and good fortune.

Happy New Year to all those who celebrate the Spring Festival. Today, 17 February, is the 8th day. The celebrations will culminate with 'Chap Goh Mei', the 15th day of the Lunar New Year which falls on 24 February.