Scientific Name
Euphorbia venefica Trémaux ex Kotschy
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia mamillaris, Euphorbia venenifica
Common Name(s)
Candle Plant, Cylindrical Euphorbia
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Etymology
The specific epithet "venefica" (pronounced "ven-uh-FEE-kuh") means "poisonous" and refers to the toxic properties of this species. It is also sometimes spelled as "venenifica."
Origin
Euphorbia venefica is native to Ethiopia, Chad, Sudan, and Egypt.
Description
Euphorbia venefica is a spiny shrub-like succulent with one to several sparingly branched stems with ascending branches topped with dense clusters of large leaves during the growing season. It grows up to 16.4 feet (5 m) tall. The branches are succulent, cylindrical, green to pale grey, with thick, short spines at the base of each leaf scar. The stems can reach a diameter of 6 inches (15 cm), while the branches can grow up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm). The spine shields are obtusely triangular to subcircular, and spirally arranged in about eight rows, measuring up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter. The deciduous leaves vary in shape from lanceolate to spatulate or obovate and can grow up to 8.8 inches (22 cm) long and 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide.
The cymes are solitary, forked once or twice, with a peduncle and cyme branches. The cyathia have cup-shaped involucres and yellowish-green glands, and can reach a diameter of 2 inches (0.5 cm). Euphorbia venefica blooms in spring (at the end of the dry season in its native habitat) before the new leaves appear.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia venefica
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. These plants require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. In fact, more die from 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 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 seeds, 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 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
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