Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 1.5 m to 4.5 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 1.5 m to 3 m |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent with 1 main, tall, erect stem which is densely branched. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Tiny leaves are directly attached to the stem. They quickly drop off, leaving the stem bare throughout most of the year. |
| Stems | White, 4-sided stem is mostly white with a few greyish green speckles and streaks. The stem edge is distinctly undulate, forming a zig-zag pattern. The protrusions along the leaf margin are armed with a pair of short, greyish spines. Branches off the main stem bend gently upwards in a candelabra-like shape with smaller branches forming near the tips. |
| Flowers | This cultivar seldom produces flowers. Tiny florets are arranged in a yellowish inflorescence known as a cyathium. The cyathia occur in pairs near the stem tips. |
| Cultivation | It can be planted in full sun where it receives mostly morning sun. Intense afternoon sun may cause the stem to burn. This hybrid requires well-drained soil which is allowed to dry between waterings. Care must be taken to avoid the toxic, white sap which can irritate eyes, skin and mucous membranes. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Stems, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Focal Plant, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch, Toxic Upon Ingestion, Irritant - Sap |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | Grows slower than the species Euphorbia lactea which is green. |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers , Monoecious |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type | Cyathium |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31938 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6340 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
