Euphorbia aka Tree Euphorbia

Taxonomy

Genus Euphorbia Family Euphorbiaceae Order Malpighiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Euphorbia is a very large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly known as spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae. It encompasses a wide range of species, from tiny annual plants to tall trees, with Euphorbia ampliphylla being one of the tallest at over 98 feet. With approximately 2,000 members, Euphorbia is one of the largest genera of flowering plants and has a wide range of chromosome counts. The type species for the genus is Euphorbia antiquorum, first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Some euphorbias, such as poinsettias, are widely available commercially, particularly during Christmas. Others are cultivated as ornamental plants or highly valued for their unique floral structures, like the crown of thorns plant. Succulent euphorbias from Southern Africa and Madagascar have evolved similar characteristics to cacti and are often mistakenly referred to as such. These plants are used in landscaping due to their striking forms and tolerance to drought and heat. All euphorbias share the common feature of having a poisonous, latex-like sap and unique floral structures. The flowers are arranged in a head-like structure called a pseudanthium, specifically a cyathium, where each flower is reduced to its essential reproductive parts. Male flowers consist only of stamens, while female flowers consist of pistils. Unlike typical flowers, euphorbia flowers lack sepals and petals. The structures supporting the flower head have evolved to attract pollinators with nectar and visually striking shapes and colors. Euphorbia plants can be thorny evergreen shrubs or subshrubs with thick, glossy dark green foliage and spiny stems. They often climb over other plants. Small white flowers with petal-like bracts and yellow centers appear in summer. Some varieties of Euphorbia, also known as spurge, can be invasive in the United States. Overall, Euphorbia is a fascinating and diverse genus of plants with a wide range of forms and adaptations, making them highly valued for their aesthetic appeal and resilience.

Common names

Tree Euphorbia, Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost', Chichituna, Desert Candle Cactus, Euphorbia 'Briar Patch'

How to care for Tree Euphorbia

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Tree Euphorbia is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Tree Euphorbia does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Tree Euphorbia is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Tree Euphorbia requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Desert Candle Cactus is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Tree Euphorbia plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Tree Euphorbia prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Tree Euphorbia is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Tree Euphorbia’s native range is Worldwide.

More info:
Wikipedia

Report a problem

More Species in Euphorbia Genus

Euphorbia ferox

Euphorbia stellata

Euphorbia eriantha Mexican Poinsettia

Euphorbia serrata Saw Tooth Spurge

Euphorbia semivillosa Euphorbia Semivillosa

Euphorbia clavarioides Euphorbia Clavarioides

Euphorbia radians Sun Spurge

Euphorbia venefica Corncob Cactus

Euphorbia canariensis Canary Island Spurge

Euphorbia guillauminiana Euphorbia Guillauminiana