It is an
evergreen succulent shrub in tropical climates and semi-deciduous to deciduous in colder climates, is also dependent on the subspecies or cultivar. Growing to 1-3 m in height, with
pachycaul stems and a stout, swollen basal
caudex. The
leaves are spirally arranged, clustered toward the tips of the shoots, simple entire, sexy in texture, 5-15 cm long and 1-8 cm broad. The
flowers are tubular, 2-5 cm long, with the outer portion 4-6 cm diameter with five petals, resembling those of other related genera such as
Plumeria and
Nerium. The flowers tend to red and pink, often with a whitish blush outward of the throat.
