Euphorbia esculenta is a large growing medusa-head Euphorbia that occurs widespread in the Eastern Cape Province from the Uitenhage district north-eastwards into the semi-desert areas of Jansenville, Steytlerville, Willowmore, Aberdeen and Graaff-Reinet.
The plants are quite common throughout their distribution area and can form extensive colonies.
The deep tuberous root is distinct from the main stem and does not form a single unit like in some other similar looking species. The bracteoles are woolly and white making the plants strikingly attractive while in flower.The involucre glands of the cyathia are brown or green.
The plants like full sun and prefer a minimum temperature of about - 3 degrees Celsius. In habitat Euphorbia esculenta receives rainfall mainly in the summer months in the form of afternoon thundershowers. The red clay soil in which they often grow becomes soaking wet at times. The plants will not tolerate wet conditions for days on end however.
Propagation is from seed.
Euphorbia esculenta in cultivation.
Cyathia
Post a Comment