Scientific Name
Euphorbia clivicola R.A.Dyer
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "clivicola" (pronounced "kly-vee-KOH-la") means "dweller of slopes" or "growing on hills" and refers to the natural habitat of this species.
Origin
Euphorbia clivicola is native to South Africa. It occurs on gentle slopes with northern and northeastern aspects in the Limpopo province.
Description
Euphorbia clivicola is a spiny succulent with short 4-angled branches arising from an underground system of rhizomes and roots. The branches are yellowish-green, aggregate into a dense mass above the ground, and can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long. They are armed with paired spines.
The tiny flowers are unisexual and arranged in cup-like structures with yellow nectar-bearing glands around the rim. They appear in groups of three with flowering eyes towards the end of the branches. In each group of cyathia, the central one contains only male flowers, and the outer two have both male and female flowers.
Subspecies of Euphorbia clivicola
- Euphorbia clivicola subsp. calcritica
- Euphorbia clivicola subsp. clivicola
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia clivicola
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°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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