Euphorbia esculenta (The True "Vingerpol")

Scientific Name

Euphorbia esculenta Marloth

Common Names

The True “Vingerpol”

Synonyms

Euphorbia inermis var. laniglans

Scientific Classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia

Description

Euphorbia esculenta is a succulent shrub with underground caudex, up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The whole cluster of branches (up to 8 inches / 20 cm long) reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in height and up to 15 inches (40 cm) in diameter. The woolly-like flowers are white with yellow sex-organs, clustered at the end of branches.

Photo via flickr.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 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 grow that is suited for any well drained soil in full sun. It is cultivated as an ornamental, and is a particular favorite of succulent plant enthusiasts. It is a relatively slow growing and long lived plant and once established, it will be content in its position and with its soil for years.

This spurge likes deep pot with generous drain holes to accommodate its tap root, needs a very airy potting medium very permeable to water which mainly consists of nonorganic material such us clay, pumice, lava grit, expanded slate and only a little peat or leaf-mould. Re-pot every 2 years.

It can tolerate moderate shade, and a plant that has been growing in 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 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, Euphorbia esculenta will tolerate dryness and can even thrives in poor, dry soils, but do better when grown in nutrient-rich soils with regular watering… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia esculenta