The genius Euphorbia is a very large one with over 2,000 species. More than half of them are succulents and some are with very strange or unusual shapes and fleshy leaves and somas look like cacti with spines. Among the non-succulent plants are shrubs, annuals, and perennials like milkweed and Poinsettia.
When the leaves of the Euphorbia genus plants or stems are wounded they exude a poisonous milky sap or latex, which irritates skin and eyes.
The Euphorbia flowers are called as a cyathium or cyathia in plural. The cyathia are tiny and are without petals or sepals, but usually surrounded by colorful bracts, which last several weeks or even months.
All Euphorbia flowers are asexual, but most have both male and female flowers in one plant.
Most of the succulent Euphorbias need plenty of sunlight. These prefer full sun, but most can tolerate partial shades. The mature size varies with species, from a few inches to large shrubs or even trees.
Most Euphorbia plants bloom in summer and are dormant in winter.
Many of the Euphorbias are slow growing and make excellent container plants.
Growing Tips
Euphorbias are easy to grow. They require a little water to get established, but once they get established, they are self-sufficient, requires no special care. As a matter of fact, more die due to too much care and watering but not out of neglect.
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Euphorbia plants can be grown from seeds, but it is difficult, as it normally does not germinate. It can be easily propagated by cuttings.
Euphorbias require well-draining sandy soil and more sunlight. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia cannot withstand long droughts. It needs weekly watering in summer. Water deeply, but let not the water get logged, which causes root rot.
Add some organic fertilizer on monthly basis. Euphorbia plants grow problem free, but sometimes some pests and diseases may attack.
Euphorbia obtusifolia
Euphorbia obtusifolia is simply, an awesome and appealing rare plant of the genius Euphorbia. This Euphorbia obtusifolia hails from the Canary Islands, a place that excels in strange and unusual plants. The leaves are thin and grey green that makes a pleasant backdrop for the pale green or yellow flowers and the yellow to red seed pods.
This easily grows in free-draining soil and attains about 6 inches in height and width, depending on the climate. With age, it becomes tree like, with a symmetrical branch structure and has grayish trunk. This can be an excellent specimen for a key spot in a dry garden. In a shallow pot it makes a tempting bonsai! Like all Euphorbia plants, the sap of this plant is also poisonous.
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