Scientific Name
Euphorbia bongolavensis Rauh
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "bongolavensis" (pronounced "bon-goh-la-VEN-sis") means "of or from Bongolava" and refers to the occurrence of this species only in the Bongolava region.
Origin
Euphorbia bongolavensis is endemic to central-western Madagascar. It occurs in the subtropical or tropical dry forests.
Description
Euphorbia bongolavensis is a slow-growing xerophyte with a main stem and numerous branches with clusters of deciduous, uniquely colored leaves at the tip, forming an open, umbrella-like crown. It can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The main stem is woody, with pale gray peeling bark, can reach a height of 16 inches (40 cm), and has a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm), with branches only near the tip. The leaves aredark green to bluish-green, lance-shaped to ovate, measuring up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide. They are attached to the branches by a red petiole up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. The color of the leaves varies depending on the intensity and amount of sunlight they receive.
This species is dioecious, meaning it has male and female flowers on separate plants. The female cyathia are usually solitary, rarely two, while the male cyathia are arranged in clusters of 3 to 4. They are tiny, pale yellow, and appear in mid-spring. The fruits are obtusely lobed capsules with tiny seeds inside.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia bongolavensis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 36°F (1.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. These plants 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. If you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor, feed them with a half-strength fertilizer monthly.
These succulents can be grown from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate or even find. They are usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbia. They tend to grow problem-free, but there are a few pests and diseases to be alert for.
Learn 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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