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 grows up to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall. Branches are usually 5- to 6-angled, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) thick, and 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 usually distinctly toothed, with teeth up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) apart. Spine shields form a continuous horny margin along the angles. Spines are very strong, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, and often variable in length. The rudimentary leaves are deltoid.
The cyathia are golden yellow, up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter, with cup-shaped involucres and orange-yellow, rarely reddish glands. Fruits are rosy red, obtusely 3-lobed capsules exserted on a reflexed, up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long pedicel. 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 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. 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 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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