Scientific Name
Euphorbia esculenta Marloth
Common Name(s)
The True "Vingerpol"
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia inermis var. laniglans
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Description
Euphorbia esculenta is a succulent plant with an underground caudex with the outer part bearing a rosette of numerous crowded branches in several series. The caudex is club-shaped or obconic and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Branches are cylindrical, slightly tuberculate, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. They are green on the young parts, becoming pale brown with age. The whole cluster of branches reaches 10 inches (25 cm) in height and 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. Flowers are white with yellow reproductive organs and appear clustered at the end of branches.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Euphorbia esculenta is an easy species to grows, suited for any well-drained soil in full sun. It is cultivated as an ornamental and is a particular favorite of succulent plant enthusiasts. This is a relatively slow-growing and long-lived plant. Once established, it will be content in its position and soil for years.
This spurge likes a deep pot with generous drain holes to accommodate its taproot. It needs a very airy potting medium, permeable to water, consisting of nonorganic material such as clay, pumice, lava grit, expanded slate, and only a little peat leaf mold. Repot every two years.
Euphorbia esculenta can tolerate moderate shade. A plant growing in the shade should be slowly hardened off before placing it in full sun as the plant will be severely scorched if moved too suddenly from shade into the sun.
Water regularly during the active growing season. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep almost completely dry in winter. However, this succulent will tolerate dryness and even thrive in poor, dry soils but do better when grown in nutrient-rich soils with regular watering.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia esculenta.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
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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