Scientific Name
Euphorbia tescorum S.Carter
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
Euphorbia tescorum is native to northern Kenya and the adjacent areas in Uganda and Ethiopia.
Description
Euphorbia tescorum is a sturdy succulent shrub with numerous branches spreading upwards from the base and sparsely re-branched above. It can grow up to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall. The branches are usually 5- to 6-angled, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in thickness, and are more or less constricted at intervals of 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm). They are usually green, variegated with darker markings around the teeth. The angles are typically distinctly toothed, with teeth up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) apart. The spine shields form a continuous horny margin along the angles. The spines are very strong, often variable in length, and can reach a length of up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm). The rudimentary leaves are deltoid.
The cyathia are golden yellow with cup-shaped involucres and orange-yellow, rarely reddish glands. They can reach a diameter of up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). The fruits are rosy red, obtusely 3-lobed capsules exserted on a reflexed pedicel that can measure up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long. They contain gray ovoid seeds.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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 overcare 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 top few inches of soil are dry. Water them 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. If you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor, feed them with a half-strength fertilizer once a month.
These succulents can be grown from seed, but they can be challenging to germinate, and they may be difficult to find. They are usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky because of the sap that exudes. 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.
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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