Scientific Name
Euphorbia huttoniae N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia inermis var. huttonae
Common Name(s)
Green Crown, Medusa's Head
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "huttoniae" (pronounced "HUH-tuh-nee-ye") honors Caroline Hutton (born Caroline Elizabeth Arbuthnot) (1826-1908), a South African plant collector. Her husband, Henry Hutton (later Justice Hutton), was also a passionate botanist and collector.
Origin
Euphorbia huttoniae is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape).
Description
Euphorbia huttoniae, formerly known as Euphorbia inermis var. huttonae, is a highly branched succulent with ascending, bumpy branches radiating outward from the caudex. The caudex can reach a diameter of 4 inches (10 cm), while the branches can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter.
This species is very similar to Euphorbia inermis, differing only in the flower character. Unlike Euphorbia inermis, which has green with white or pure white nectar-glands variably bifid on the outer margin with more or less long processes, Euphorbia huttoniaes has yellow-green nectar-gland margins, truncate and toothed or more or less entire without processes. However, the most marked difference is in the densely hairy lobes between the glands of Euphorbia inermis and the glabrous lobes of Euphorbia huttonae.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia huttoniae
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to establish themselves, but once established, 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 tolerate wet soil. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not tolerate prolonged drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but donќt 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 Euphorbia.
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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