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This Euphorbia looks much like a cactus, although the two are not
closely related, it is a small rapidly suckering plant that will form
dense multi-stemmed cushion-shaped clumps up to 2 m wide.
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Description: It is a dense succulent shrub
growing to 60 cm tall, forming multi-stemmed cushion-shaped clumps up to
2 m wide.
Stems: Erect, succulent, 4 sided (almost square) that
look superficially like a cactus. Light green to glaucous blue color,
depending upon light.
Spines: Brown and short, but sharp in pairs of 6 mm spines on the
angles of the ribs, spaced about 1 cm apart up the stem. |
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Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Scientific name:
Euphorbia resinifera
O. Berg & C. F. Schmidt
Place of publication: Darstellung Beschr. off. Gew. 4:
t. 34. 1863
Origin: It is native to Morocco, where it occurs on the
slopes of the Atlas Mountains in the surroundings of Marrakesh.
Common Name: Resin spurge
Synonyms: Euphorbia sansalvador
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Cultivation: Commonly sold at garden outlet
centres they are some of the easiest and care-free Euphorbias to grow, both
in pots and in the ground in areas with
a mild climate,
but they can even be grown indoors. They grow well in
a very draining mineral potting substrate, but they aren't picky about
soil. During the summer they enjoy average feeding and watering.
When dormant, plants are relatively cold tolerant. They will
rapidly mound, branch and spread. These are widely adaptable, able to
take full sun that helps the plants to keep
their compact growth-form, but different clones vary in their tolerance
of full sunshine.
Propagation: It is
propagated by cuttings (It branches enthusiastically and offsets are
readily available). If you remove an offset, remember to let it dry for a
week or so, letting the wound heal (cuttings planted too soon
will easily rot
before they can grow roots). It is better to wash the cut to remove the
latex.
Warning: As with all other Euphorbias when a plant get damaged it
exudes a thick white milky sap known as latex. This latex (resin)
is poisonous contains some of the most potent irritants known.
The very high irritant activity of the latex may be ascribed to
resiniferatoxin (A potent toxin). The latex is particularly
dangerous for the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. It can produce
burning pain in bones. Pains in limbs and paralytic weakness in the
joints. Important respiratory and skin symptoms, terrible burning pains. So pay extreme attention not to get any in your eyes
or mouth.
Cultivated plants must be handled carefully.
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