Scientific Name
Euphorbia decepta subsp. gamkensis (Marx) Bruyns
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia gamkensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "gamkensis" (pronounced "gam-KEN-sis") means "of or from Gamka". It refers to the place where this subspecies was discovered, in the arid, rocky terrain near the Gamka River valley in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Origin
Euphorbia decepta subsp. gamkensis is native to South Africa. It is a rare and endangered plant found only near Calitzdorp in the Western Cape province.
Description
Euphorbia decepta subsp. gamkensis, also known as Euphorbia gamkensis, is a small succulent with a large basal stem and a few rows of gray-green, outwardly pointing branches that emerge from its flat, green upper surface. It can grow up to 5.2 inches (13 cm) tall. The caudex is more or less cylindrical and can reach a diameter of 2.4 inches (6 cm). As it thickens, more new branches will appear right in the center. The branches are covered in irregularly hexagonal tubercles.
Scattered whitish stalks can be seen on the older branches where small greenish-yellow cyathia (false flowers) had bloomed in the past. The small cyathia are reddish with hints of yellow and green and appear in summer. The fruits are three-lobed capsules.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia decepta subsp. gamkensis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35°F (1.7°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 overcare and overwatering 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.
Euphorbia can be grown from seed, but germination can be difficult (or even hard to find). It is usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbia.
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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