Scientific Name
Euphorbia decaryi Guillaumin
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The species epithet "decaryi" (pronounced "de-KAR-yee") honors Raymond Decary🡕 (1891–1973), a French botanist and ethnologist.
Origin
Euphorbia decaryi is native to southeastern Madagascar.
Description
Euphorbia decaryi is a small, shrubby succulent with swollen roots and erect to creeping stems that bear attractive, fleshy leaves tufted in rosettes at the tips. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and spread by rhizomes. When exposed to intense sunlight, the green leaves take on a lovely coppery-bronze hue. They are highly undulated, folded, and with raised veins.
The unusual flowers are bell-shaped, range in color from yellow and yellow-green to reddish, and appear in summer.
Varieties of Euphorbia decaryi
- Euphorbia decaryi var. decaryi
- Euphorbia decaryi var. robinsonii
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia decaryi
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 prolonged 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 Euphorbia. 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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