Scientific Name
Euphorbia inermis Mill.
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia viperina
Common Name(s)
Green Crown, Medusa's Head
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "inermis" (pronounced "IN-er-mis") means "unarmed; lacking spines or teeth" and refers to the spineless stems of this species, which, unlike many other species of Euphorbia.
Origin
Euphorbia inermis is native to South Africa. It grows in gravelly flats from Jeffreys Bay to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Euphorbia inermis is a highly branched succulent with ascending, finger-like branches radiating outward from the main stem tip. This species is one of the caudex-forming Euphorbias, very similar to Euphorbia esculenta and Euphorbia caput-medusae. The caudex can reach a diameter of 4 inches (10 cm), while the bumpy branches can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter.
In spring and summer, the tips of the branches are covered with attractive, small, woolly flowers. The fruits are three-chambered capsules with dark brown seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia inermis
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 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. If you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor, feed them 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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