Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree)


Botanical Information

FamilyEuphorbiaceae
GenusEuphorbia
Speciestrigona
SynonymsEuphorbia hermentiana
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouthwest Africa.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)1
Temperature (°F)12
Height180 - 240 cm
Spread90 cm
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright columnar.
LandscapeRock gardens, cacti gardens, potted indoor or patio plant or as a specimen.
PropagationLeaf cuttings.
CultivationPlant in loose, well-draining loamy, sandy or gravelly soils in full sun. More sun makes for optimal plant growth. Repot annually to encourage growth.
Notable SpecimensRoyal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatDry, rocky plains and shrublands.
Bark/Stem DescriptionUpright columns that grow in a distinct 4-veined shape. Areoles insignificant, 1 - 2 mm in diameter. Small spines, 1 -4 mm long.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall round flower buds, insignificant, growing along the veins and areoles with the leaves.
Leaf DescriptionSmall obovate-pinnate leaves grow along the columns, 2 - 3 cm long and 1 - 2 cm wide.
Flower DescriptionSmall inflorescences, insignificant, growing between 1 - 4 mm in diameter.
Colour DescriptionDeep green to reddish-green succulent flesh. Dark brownish-black spines, medium green leaves and reddish-pink to white flowers.
Texture DescriptionSmooth, thorny.

Photographs