Scientific Name
Euphorbia guentheri (Pax) Bruyns
Common Name(s)
Sausage Spurge
Synonym(s)
Monadenium guentheri
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Description
Euphorbia guentheri, also known as Monadenium guentheri, is a succulent plant with long cylindrical stems with prominent spine-tipped tubercles. As it grows, new stems sprout from the base. The stems are unbranched, erect, creeping, or pendent and can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) long and 0.4 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The leaves are green, obovate, measure up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) wide, and grow from the tubercles.
The flowers are small, with red glands enclosed with greenish-white bracts tinged with pin to purple, and appear in spring.
Origin
Euphorbia guentheri is native to Kenya. It grows among grass in open scrub in Taita-Taveta County at elevations that range from 2,950 to 3,280 feet (900 to 1,000 m). It is known only from its type locality.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8b to 10b: from 15 °F (−9.4 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
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 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. 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 Euphorbias. 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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