Scientific Name
Euphorbia tulearensis (Rauh) Rauh
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia cap-saintemariensis var. tulearensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "tulearensis" (pronounced "too-lee-ah-REN-sis") means "Of or from Tuléar". It refers to Toliara🡕 (formerly known as Tuléar), a city in Madagascar, near which this species was first discovered.
Origin
Euphorbia tulearensis is native to southwest Madagascar. It grows on rocky limestone slopes and cliffs.
Description
Euphorbia tulearensis is a charming small succulent that develops a wooden tuberous caudex with a crown of thick and short or elongated branches bearing evergreen or semi-deciduous leaves, usually arranged in rosettes at the branch tips. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The leaves are fleshy, narrow, crinkled, and highly undulated, with raised veins. They are green but take on a nice coppery-bronze coloring under stress.
The flowers are greenish-yellow, bell-shaped, and appear in short-stemmed clusters with beige, soft tan, or pinkish petal-like cyathophylls, usually in mid-summer.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia tulearensis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. More die from overcare and overwatering 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 prolonged 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.
Euphorbia can be grown from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate (or even find). It is usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbia. They tend to grow problem-free, but there are a few pests and diseases to be alert for.
See 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
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
