Scientific Name
Euphorbia gottlebei Rauh
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "gottlebei" (pronounced "GOTL-bee-eye") honors Gunter Gottlebe (ft. 1992), a German resident of Tamatave, Madagascar, who collected the type specimen of this species.
Origin
Euphorbia ei is native to southwestern Madagascar. It grows in cracks in limestone rock in the Fiherenana River valley near Sakaraha.
Description
Euphorbia gottlebei is a succulent shrub with a main stem extending from a taproot and long, densely spiny branches with narrow green leaves, usually found only on the new growth. It can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. The primary branches have short secondary branches and can reach up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in thickness. The spines are stiff, straight, or recurved, with a broad base, and can grow up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long. The deciduous leaves are narrow and can measure up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 0.08 inches (0.2 cm) wide.
The small flowers (cyathia) appear in clusters of 4 to 16 below the tip of the branches, mainly in spring and summer. They are red and subtended by a pair of pointed, petal-like, usually orange-red bracts.
Euphorbia gottlebei is very similar to Euphorbia milii.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia gottlebei
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 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 tolerate long periods of drought. 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 germination can be difficult or even hard to 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.
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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