Back
Euphorbia decidua P.R.O.Bally & L.C.Leach
| Family Name: | Euphorbiaceae |
This succulent has an attractive woody base known as a caudex.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant, Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Compact |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southern Tanzania to Zambia, Northwestern Mozambique |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
| CITES Protection | True (Appendix II) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent up to 0.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Small, lance-shaped leaves line the stems (0.3 cm long). |
| Stems | The round, woody base of the plant is part of the stem and known as a caudex (28 cm tall, 8 cm wide). Green, narrow stems emerge in a clump from the top of this caudex (20 cm long, 0.6 cm wide). They are densely armed with short spines. |
| Flowers | Light green flowers are cup-shaped and red in the centre. |
| Cultivation | It is important to plant this species in well-drained soil, as it is prone to root rot in wet soil. Allow the soil to dry about 8-10 cm from the surface before watering it thoroughly and keep in mind that it does not grow well under prolonged drought. Fertilise potted plants once a month at half-strength. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Irritant - Sap, Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting (Herbaceous) |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Deciduous |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Modification | Spine (axillary) |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Green - Light Green, Red |
|---|---|
| Individual Flower Shape | Bowl-shaped |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34416 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8829 |
| 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. |
