Scientific Name
Euphorbia ingens E. Mey. ex Boiss.
Common Names
Candelabra Tree, Common Tree Euphorbia, Cactus Euphorbia, Cactus Spurge, Naboom (African), Kaktus-Wolfsmilch (German)
Synonyms
Euphorbia similis
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Description
Euphorbia ingens is an upright, succulent tree, up to 40 feet (12 m) tall, with a dark green crown which is well rounded and often shaped like a hot-air balloon. The branches are segmented with spines running along the ridges of the segments. It produces small, greenish yellow flowers on the ridges of the topmost segment of every branch from autumn to winter. The fruit is a round 3-lobed capsule, turns red to purple when ripening.
Photo via thehorticult.com
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.
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… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Origin
Native to dry areas of southern Africa.
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