Scientific Name
Euphorbia ammak Schweinf.
Common Name(s)
African Candelabra, Candelabra Spurge
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
Euphorbia ammak is native to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It grows in rocky and withered habitats.
Description
Euphorbia ammak is a large, tree-like succulent with a short, thick trunk and dark green branches with paired, brown spines along usually four winged ribs. It can grow up to 33 feet (10 m) tall, while the branches can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in width. The spines can grow up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. The leaves are lance-shaped and fall off naturally after a few months, leaving bare branches with new leaves emerging at the tips.
The flowers are yellow-green and appear at the branch tips all year round. They can reach up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter.
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. 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 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.
Links
- Back to genus Euphorbia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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