Lebombo Euphorbia

Origin

Rhodesia

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Description

Euphorbia confinalis is an elegant, spiny, succulent-tree that grows up to 31 feet (9.5 m) tall. There markings and coloring is truly breathtaking. An absolute must have for all cacti collectors.

It is a slender, single-stemmed, leafless candelabra-shaped tree, often with secondary stems along main trunk; with a round canopy of upward-growing branches, 3-10 m tall.

Flowers are small and pale yellow, just above the spines on the ridges; in groups of 3, the middle one male and the other 2 bisexual.

Environment

Euphorbia need well-draining soil and need sunny to light shaded places. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerant wet soil. Unlike most succulents,does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but don t let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot. Add some organic matter or fertilizer to the planting hole. If you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor, feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly.

Landscape Uses

Excellent specimen for container, Offices, Rock garden

Caution

Euphorbia bongolavensis is likely to exude a toxic latex when its tissue is damaged, which can cause irritation, inflammation and blistering.