Euphorbia gottlebei

Euphorbia gottlebei is a shrub in the Euphorbiaceae family. Parts of the plant are succulent, storing water. It comes from southwest Madagascar. Its known range is small. Records place it in the Fiherenana valley, west of Sakaraha. It grows on steep limestone slopes among dry, thorny thickets. Its home has high heat and clear wet and dry seasons. Rain is scarce, even with this pattern of seasons. Damage to its habitat, fire, and collection for plant sales threaten wild plants.

This shrub grows slowly, with loose branches and many stiff spines. It can reach about 5 feet [1.5 metres] tall. A long taproot holds the plant in place. Main stems reach about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] thick. They grow new branches each year and bear dense spines. Each spine has a broad base and a short, stiff tip. Short shoots also grow between the spines. Thin leaves cluster on new growth and form a compact crown. Leaves reach about 0.2 feet [0.06 metres] long. The plant sheds them during the dry season.

Clusters of flowers grow just below the branch tips. Each holds four to sixteen small, deep red flowers. These flowers are called cyathia. Two showy bracts frame each one and look like petals. The bracts are most often orange-red. Plants grown in gardens also show yellow, pink, and darker red forms. In its wild home, it blooms mainly in July and August. These months fall within the short dry season. Female flower parts mature first. The stamens, which bear pollen, mature later. After pollen reaches the flowers, a glossy green capsule can form. This fruit has a three-sided shape. Each capsule holds three round seeds.

Grow this species in light shade. Use a potting mix rich in minerals that drains well. It must not hold standing water. Give moderate water and feed during summer growth. It suits pots and can also grow indoors. It needs a mild climate outdoors, as it dislikes cold. Keep temperatures above 50°F [10°C] for safer growth. Guard it from cold even when it rests. Seeds are the usual way to raise new plants. Cuttings also work, but fresh cuts can rot before roots form. Let cut surfaces heal for about a week before planting.

Its spiny stems and bright bracts make it a decorative plant. Handle it with care. Wounds release poisonous white latex, a type of sap. The sap can irritate skin. Keep it away from eyes and mouths. Wash latex from cut surfaces when you prepare cuttings. Both the sharp spines and sap call for care when handling.