Scientific Name
Euphorbia stellata Willd.
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "stellata" (pronounced "stell-AY-tuh") means "starry" and refers to the plant's star-shaped arrangement of the branches around the caudex.
Description
Euphorbia stellata is a small, geophytic succulent with tufted, prostrate, 2-ribbed branches radiating from the top of a woody caudex. It belongs to the Medusoid Euphorbia group. The caudex can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The branches are dark green with feathery whitish markings. They can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide. The branch margins are winged with sinuate teeth about 0.2 inches (6 mm) apart.
The flowers are greenish-yellow and appear in late spring and early summer.
Origin
Euphorbia stellata is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape).
Subspecies of Euphorbia stellata
- Euphorbia stellata subsp. micracantha
- Euphorbia stellata subsp. stellata
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia stellata
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 need a little pampering to establish, but once they do, they are self-sufficient. More die from overcare and watering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and ample sunlight. They aren't particular about soil pH, but they can't 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 top several inches of the soil are dry. Water deeply, but avoid letting them sit in wet soil, as this 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.
You can grow these succulents from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate (or even find). They are usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky because they exude sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbia. They tend to grow problem-free, but watch for a few pests and diseases.
Learn more in "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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