ILLEGAL possession of a rare plant special called adenium obesum, also known as the desert rose or impala lily, on display at Mabalauta in Gonarezhou National Park, attracts a mandatory jail sentence of nine years.
ILLEGAL possession of a rare plant special called adenium obesum, also known as the desert rose or impala lily, on display at Mabalauta in Gonarezhou National Park, attracts a mandatory jail sentence of nine years.
By Tatenda Chitagu
The plant species is classified as endangered under the Parks and Wildlife Act, and is most sought after by collectors and herbalists, who sell it for horticultural and medicinal purposes.
The succulent shrub grows from 30cm to three metres and its sap is poisonous.
Adenium obesum is usually found in dry areas in natural region five and six, although it can be grown at home as a flower.
