Euphorbia tirucalli (Indian Tree Spurge, Naked Lady or Pencil Tree)

Botanical Information

FamilyEuphorbiaceae
GenusEuphorbia
Speciestirucalli
CategoryTropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginNative to South Africa.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Has been used in the past in many cultures as a treatment for multiple ailments and illnesses, such as cancer, excrescence, tumors, and warts. It has also been used for asthma, cough, earache, neuralgia, rheumatism, toothache, and warts. The sap of the plant can be converted into latex.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone11b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)10
Temperature (°F)30
Height6 m
Spread0.6 - 3 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJuly, August, September

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright spreading.
LandscapeRock gardens, potted indoor or patio plant, within succulent collections, arrangements or as a specimen.
PropagationStem cuttings.
CultivationPlant in loose, well-draining loam, sand or potted cacti mix in full to partial sun.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatDry rocky plains and shrublands.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth, glabrous branching stems with occasional branch scars.
Leaf DescriptionSmooth branch-like succulent branches, lanceolate, and range in length from 2 - 30 cm.
Flower DescriptionSmall inflorescences, insignificant, in groups of 2 - 5 that appear at the apex of flowering stems.
Colour DescriptionBranches vary in colour from yellowish-green to vivid green. Pale yellow to creamy-white inflorescences.
Texture DescriptionSmooth.

Photographs