Euphorbia resinifera aka African Spurge
Taxonomy
Euphorbia resinifera, also known as the resin spurge, is a rare succulent shrub native to the slopes of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. In ancient medicine, the dried latex of the plant was used for its medicinal properties. Resiniferatoxin, a potent capsaicin analog, has been tested as an analgesic since 1997. The plant has light-green to gray-blue square stems covered in small brown spines arranged in cymes, and it produces small yellow blooms in the summer. The stems of the flowers dry and become spine-like. Resin spurge is a low ground cover succulent that can be propagated by cuttings taken in late spring to early summer or by seed sown indoors in early spring. It thrives in direct light and prefers soil that is extremely well-draining. When repotted each time it doubles in size, it does not need added fertilizers. As a rare houseplant, resin spurge requires very little water and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window.
Common names
African Spurge, Resin SpurgeHow to care for African Spurge
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, African Spurge is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
African Spurge does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The African Spurge 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
African Spurge 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 Resin Spurge is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for African Spurge plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
African Spurge is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
African Spurge 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 African Spurge 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.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the African Spurge as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
African Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Euphorbia Genus
Euphorbia peplis Purple Spurge
Euphorbia radians Sun Spurge
Euphorbia balsamifera Balsam Spurge
Euphorbia geroldii Thornless Crown Of Christ
Euphorbia clavarioides Euphorbia Clavarioides
Euphorbia didiereoides
Euphorbia serpyllifolia
Euphorbia tortirama Aibrohpue
Euphorbia stellata
