Scientific Name
Euphorbia flanaganii N. E. Br.
Common Name(s)
Medusa's Head, Medusa Head
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia discreta, Euphorbia ernestii, Euphorbia franksiae, Euphorbia gatbergensis, Euphorbia passa, Euphorbia woodii
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
Euphorbia flanaganii is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Description
Euphorbia flanaganii is a small succulent with a swollen underground stem and cylindrical, snake-like branches that grow flat on the ground. The branches can spread up to 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. The leaves are linear to acute and can grow up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
Clusters of yellow cyathia appear in summer, usually in the plant's central part on the apex of the stem.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Unlike most succulents, Medusa's Head 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. It warns of a lack of water by gradually curling up its arms toward the center. Water deeply, but don't let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot.
It thrives under direct sun and needs at least 6 hours of direct sun per day for decent health and growth. On brighter subjects, Medusa's Head makes an exceptional container plant, and it can also be put into gardens so long as it is protected from freezes.
Once it reaches a certain size, a mother plant will produce pups on older arms' ends. The growth starts as a swelling at the end of an arm and rapidly grows its caudex and arms. After a time, if they don't root on their own, the arm shrivels and allows the pup to roll away, where it rapidly grows if given access to soil and water. If you're not careful, you can end up with a whole greenhouse full of them.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Forms
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
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