Table of Contents
What is the common name for Euphorbia?
spurge
Euphorbia is a very large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).
Where do euphorbias come from?
Euphorbia occupies a very wide range, from tropical areas of Africa (where most of the succulent Euphorbias originate), Madagascar, and the Americas to warmer, temperate areas of Asia and Europe. Euphorbia species can also be found in the Pacific Islands and Australia.
How do you identify Euphorbia?
How to identify leafy spurge
- Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is a perennial herbaceous plant, two to four feet tall.
- Stems, flowers and leaves emit a white milky sap when broken.
What is the largest Euphorbia?
Larger euphorbias, such as the evergreen E. characias subsp. wulfenii grows to an impressive 1m or more, filling borders with their booming shapes, soft grey-blue leaves and fabulous limy-yellow flowerheads. One of the best varieties to grow is ‘Lambrooke Gold’ which has particularly large and bright flowerheads.
Are all Euphorbia plants poisonous?
All varieties of euphorbia produce a whitish latex sap upon being cut. The sap extruded is often toxic. However, the toxicity varies between and within genera. The caustic nature of the sap has been taken advantage of medically, aiding wart removal since the ancient Greek times.
How do you grow euphorbias?
Planting and Growing Euphorbia Plant out in the autumn or spring, in a sunny position, in a very well drained soil. Plant shrubby types in spring and protect from cold winds until established. Most types prefer full sun, but evergreens will tolerate some light shade. The taller forms are useful as border plants.
Which Colour is thorn apple?
green
Sacred thorn -apple gets its unusual common name from its sacredness in rituals, particularly for Amerindians of the southwest. Its fruits resemble thorny, green apples. Its large, musty-smelling flowers bloom in the evening, most likely attracting moth pollinators (and bats in its southern range); they wither by noon.
Is Euphorbia a cactus or succulent?
succulents
Euphorbia (Euphorbia spp.) is a very large genus of plants with more than 2,000 species. About 1,200 of them are succulents, some with bizarre shapes and wide, fleshy leaves and others that look remarkably like cacti, complete with spines. Growers commonly refer to plants in the genus as euphorbia or spurge.
How can you tell the difference between a Euphorbia and a cactus?
Cacti have spines, which are modified leaves, and they come from areoles, which are structures that all cacti have. Euphorbias most often have thorns, usually in pairs, which are modified stems. Euphorbias do not have areoles.
Which is the best Euphorbia?
Spurge, Your Secret Weapon: 6 Best Varieties to Plant in the…
- E. Characias Subsp.
- Euphorbia Myrsinites. Above: Euphorbia myrsinites crawls along on a layer of gravel.
- Euphorbia Rigida.
- Euphorbia x Martinii.
- Euphorbia Amygdaloides Var.
- Euphorbia characias ‘Portuguese Velvet’
Is Euphorbia a cactus?
The Euphorbia genus of plants is most well-known for its succulent species which are elegant and architectural in appearance. These plants are often mistaken for cacti due to many of the popular varieties being stem succulents.
What are the different types of Euphorbia?
These are some of the most popular Euphorbia species: Cushion spurge (Euphorbia polychroma) is a clumping perennial growing 12 to 18 inches high with yellow flowers that appear in spring. It is grown in zones 4 to 8. Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a bushy evergreen plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall outdoors in zones 9 to 11.
What is the head of Euphorbia called?
In Euphorbia, flowers occur in a head, called the cyathium (plural cyathia). Each male or female flower in the cyathium head has only its essential sexual part, in males the stamen, and in females the pistil.
Which people are most likely to react to Euphorbia plant sap?
People with sensitivities to latex are most likely to react to the sap of Euphorbia plants. The species of Euphorbia grown for landscape use or as houseplants are mostly succulents, which feature fascinating shapes and foliage, but a few are known for their flowers. Most Euphorbias bloom in the spring or summer and go dormant in the winter.
What planting zone is Euphorbia amygdaloides?
It is often used as ground cover in zones 5 to 9. Wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides) is a bushy evergreen that grows 18 to 24 inches tall with yellow flowers that appear in mid- to late spring. It is suitable for growing in zones 6 to 8.