Euphorbia guentheri (Sausage Spurge)

Scientific Name

Euphorbia guentheri (Pax) Bruyns

Common Names

Sausage Spurge

Synonyms

Monadenium guentheri (basionym)

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Euphorbia guentheri, also known as Monadenium guentheri, is a stout, perennial succulent with long, cylindrical stems with prominent spine-tipped tubercles and fleshy, sickle-shaped, deciduous leaves. The stems are unbranched, up to 3 feet (90 cm) long and up to 0.4 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The leaves are fleshy, up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and up to 0.7 inch (1.8 cm) wide. The flowers are small with a red, rim-like gland and enclosed in 2 fused, greenish-white bracts with lovely, purple mottling.

Photo via wikipedia.org

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. In fact, 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 they cannot tolerant 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 with a half-strength fertilizer monthly.

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