Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.3 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin. |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Clump-forming succulent up to 0.3 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Roots | The roots form thick tubers which help to store food. |
| Foliage | The fleshy leaves are obovate to elliptical and clustered at the stem tip. The leaves emerge singly from the tubercles near the stem tip. The cream-coloured venation is prominent, being lighter in colour than the rest of the leaf blade. Young foliage is tinted with a light brown colour. |
| Stems | The cylindrical stem is composed of broadly conical tubercles stacked on top of each other. The tubercles are mostly yellow with dark green stripes. The tubercles near the stem tip are armed with a few, short prickles. |
| Flowers | The bright pink inflorescence, known as a cyathium, resembles a U-shaped flower. The cyathia are produced in small clusters near the stem tip. |
| Habitat | The species Euphorbia ritchiei is found on rocky slopes in Eastern Africa and Kenya at an elevation of 1300 m above sea level. |
| Taxonomy | A synonym for this plant is Monadenium ritchiei (variegated). |
| Cultivation | This succulent grows best in light shade and well-drained soil. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Stems |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Brown |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Obovate, Elliptical) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Mucronate |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type | Cyathium |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32993 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7407 |
| 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. |
