World Plants

Euphorbia mellifera (Canary Spurge, Honey-scented Spurge)

Family	Euphorbiaceae
Genus	Euphorbia
Species	mellifera
Category	Perennials, Tropicals
Type	Tree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
Origin	Macaronesia, endemic to the islands of Maderia, La Palma, La Gomera and Tenerife. It is found to be in steep decline in its natural habitat due to land clearing, however it is popular as a cultivated garden plant.

General Description	A dome-shaped evergreen shrub to small tree in the wild with narrow, bright green leaves with a pale mid-vein, and honey-scented, brownish flower-heads in March in its native habitat to late spring in cultivation.
Propagation	Propagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding.
Cultivation	Grow in well-drained, light soil in full sun in mild areas or in cold areas grow in a container and overwinter indoors (frost-free).
Pests	Generally pest and disease free.
Notable Specimens	Glendurgan Garden, National Trust, Mawnan Smith, Cornwall, England. Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Chelsea Physic Garden, London, United Kingdom.
Habitat	Found growing in laurel forests.
Leaf Description	The leaf lanceolate leaf blade is dark green and 75-100 mm in length and 12-26 mm in width. The pronounced midrib at the petiole is 1.0-2.5 mm wide while in the middle of the leaf it is 0.5-1.3 mm.
Flower Description	The synoflorescence is held of a 40-130 mm stem and is 90-220 mm in length and 100-130 mm in width although in some instances up to 190 mm wide. In its native habitat it flowers in March.