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 a stout, swollen basal caudex. The leaves are spirally arranged, clustered toward the tips of the shoots. 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, which I also sell in my shop.