Euphorbia trigona is a popular plant that is widely cultivated as an ornamental, hedge, and potted plant in tropical and subtropical regions.
Scientific Name
Euphorbia trigona Mill.
Common Name(s)
African Milk Tree, High Chaparral, Cathedral Cactus, Abyssinian Euphorbia
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia hermentiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "trigona (try-GOH-nuh)" means "trigonal; three-angled; having three angles" and refers to the mostly three-sided stems of this species.
Origin
Euphorbia trigona is widely cultivated, but its probable origin is Central Africa.
Description
Euphorbia trigona is a succulent shrub or small tree with upright stems branching from above the base. It can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. The stems are 4-angled to nearly cylindrical, while the branches are distinctly 3-angled, ascending, and appressed to the stem. The stem and branches are dark green and mottled in the center with whitish or light green, V-shaped patterns. The paired spines are up to 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) long and produced on spine shields about 0.4 inches (1 cm) apart along the stem ridges. The leaves are green and obovate, growing between the two spines on each ridge, and can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in width. Even though they are deciduous, they are persistent for some time and often present.
This species is not known to flower and is possibly a natural hybrid.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia trigona
Light: Providing your Euphorbia trigona with plenty of sunlight is important for optimal growth. Place it near a sunny window or move it to your balcony or garden during the warmer months, gradually increasing sun exposure to avoid sunburn.
Soil: Use a well-draining soil, either a commercial potting mix formulated for succulents or create your own well-draining soil.
Temperature: While high summer temperatures are not a problem, low winter temperatures can damage or kill your plant. Euphorbia trigona grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: From spring to fall, water the plant when the soil's top inch (2.5 cm) feels dry. Reduce watering in winter and give it just enough water to prevent wilting. In the warm season, the evening is the best time of the day for watering.
Fertilizing: To ensure the potted plant receives sufficient nutrients, apply a balanced fertilizer in a 10-10-10 NPK formulation, diluted to 1/4 strength weekly during the growing season.
Repotting: Although your Euphorbia trigona does not need to be repotted often, it will benefit from repotting when it outgrows its pot. The repotting is best done in early spring at the beginning of the growing season. Wear gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate eye protection when handling this plant.
Propagation: Propagating this plant through stem cuttings during the growing season is a straightforward process.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Toxicity of Euphorbia trigona
Euphorbia trigona produces a poisonous white milky sap that may cause burns or irritation if in contact with the skin or eyes. Therefore, keeping this plant away from children and pets is best.
Cultivars
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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