Scientific Name
Euphorbia procumbens Mill.
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia pugniformis, Medusea procumbens
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
Euphorbia procumbens is endemic to South Africa. It grows in grasslands and karroid bush in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces.
Description
Euphorbia procumbens is a dwarf spineless Medusoid Euphorbia with a short swollen stem bearing rosettes of spreading branches covered with conical tubercles. Its typical form has 2 to 3 rows of lateral shoots. The leaves are lance-shaped, deciduous, and can grow up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) long.
The cyathia are solitary, with green to reddish glands mostly slightly toothed along the edges. They can reach up to 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) in diameter.
Euphorbia procumbens is closely related to Euphorbia gorgonis and can be confused with Euphorbia woodii, but smaller.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
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 they 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. Feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly if you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor.
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 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.
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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