Scientific Name
Euphorbia neohumbertii Boiteau
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia neohumbertii var. neohumbertii
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "neohumbertii" (pronounced "nee-oh-hum-BER-tee-eye") means "the new humbertii," indicating a newly distinguished species related to or formerly confused with an earlier species, Euphorbia humbertii, in honor of the French botanist Jean-Henri Humbert (1887-1967).
Origin
Euphorbia neohumbertii is native to northwestern Madagascar. It occurs in rocky areas near Anivorano Nord.
Description
Euphorbia neohumbertii is an attractive succulent with an erect, green, often unbranched stem with usually four more or less spiral ribs and large, bluish-green leaves clustered at the end. The stem is nearly cylindrical at the base and can reach up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The leaves are oval and can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1.6 inches (6.5 cm) wide. They are reddish on the lower surface. In winter, when leaves drop, very prominent scars are left on the stems.
In late winter and early spring, the branches are topped with dense clusters of beautiful flowers (cyathia) that can measure up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in length. The flowers are greenish at the base, scarlet at the upper part, and have yellow anthers at the top.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia neohumbertii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. These plants 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 tolerate long periods of drought. 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.
These succulents can be grown from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate or even find. They are usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbia. 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.
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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