Scientific Name
Euphorbia mammillaris L.
Common Names
Indian Corn Cob, Corn Cob Plant, Corncob Euphorbia, Corncob Cactus
Synonyms
Often misspelled Euphorbia mamillaris
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Description
Euphorbia mammillaris is a short stemmed, dioecious shrublet producing a dense cluster. The stem is thick, erect, simple and ribbed, deep green, up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall and up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Usually there are many club-like, lateral branches. The "spines" are the solitary sterile peduncles. They are occasionally present and scattered, thick, whitish and up to 0.4 inch (1 cm) long. The leaves are small, green and ephemeral. It produces yellow solitary cyathia at the tip of each stem in late winter to early summer.
Photo via recregarden.blogspot.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °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
Origin
Native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Euphorbia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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