Scientific Name
Euphorbia abyssinica J.F.Gmel.
Common Name(s)
Desert Candle, Candelabra Spurge
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia acrurensis, Euphorbia aethiopum, Euphorbia candelabrum var. erythraeae, Euphorbia controversa, Euphorbia disclusa, Euphorbia erythraeae, Euphorbia grandis, Euphorbia neglecta, Euphorbia neutra, Euphorbia obovalifolia, Euphorbia officinarum var. kolquall, Euphorbia richardiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Description
Euphorbia abyssinica is a tree-like succulent that grows up to 33 feet (10 m) tall, forming either large stands or growing as a solitary plant. The thick green main trunk, which becomes woody with age, supports many 5- to 8-angled branching stems. Leaves form on young growth at the end of the branches but fall in the dry season. At intervals along the stem angles or ribs are small rounded structures from which leaves, flowers, or spines may grow. The male flowers are reduced to a single stamen, and the female flowers consist of a stalked pistil with branched stigmas. The flowers are without petals but surrounded by noticeable yellow bracts.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. In fact, more die from too much care and watering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerate wet soil. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but don't let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot. Add some organic matter or fertilizer to the planting hole. Feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly if you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor.
Euphorbia can be grown from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate (or even find). It is usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbias. They tend to grow problem-free, but there are a few pests and diseases to be alert for.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Origin
This species is endemic to Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea.
Links
- Back to genus Euphorbia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
