Scientific Name
Euphorbia susannae Marloth
Common Name(s)
Suzanne's Spurge
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia suzannae
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Description
Euphorbia susannae is a small clum-forming succulent with chubby stems with 12 to 16 ribs lined with conical tubercles, each tapering to a thread-like point. It forms a tight clump up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. On older stems, the points are often worn off so that the tubercles are rounded at the tip. The stems are green, becoming brownish in intense light.
The cyathia are held atop short stalks which emerge between the tubercles. Each cyathium consists of a cup with five lobes around the outside and tiny flowers in the middle. They appear in fall or spring. The small round seed capsules that follow are purplish-red.
Origin
Euphorbia susannae is native to South Africa. It occurs east of Barrydale to Muiskraal in the Western Cape, growing in karroid scrub on gentle slopes, often in quartz patches.
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 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Euphorbia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
