Indian Corn Cob Euphorbia mammillaris
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Euphorbia fimbriata
- Phonetic Spelling
- yoo-FOR-bee-uh mam-mil-LAIR-iss
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
Indian corn cob is a succulent columnar, cactus-like plant in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) native to South Africa. It is studded with occasional spikes that resemble toothpicks.
They are drought-tolerant and need great drainage. Water once a week in the summer and up to once a month in the winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings fully. With plenty of space and sunlight, Indian corn cob can reach 1 foot or more tall and sprout new branches from its base. Propagation can be done with stem cutting in spring or summer.
Plant in containers with good drainage holes in potting soil appropriate for succulents and cacti. Provide plenty of sun outside and bright light inside. A diluted fertilizer can be applied in late spring to summer. The plant contains a white sap and can irritate the skin and eyes so wear gloves.
In NC the plant is grown as a houseplant that can be taken outdoors during summer if desired.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mealybugs and spider mites are potential insect pests. Powdery mildew and root rot are potential diseases. Root rot occurs with overly moist and poorly drained soils.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Monstrose'
bright green with red spines that fade with age - 'Variegata'
creamy green color with tiny leaves and spikes
- 'Monstrose'
- 'Monstrose', 'Variegata'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Monstrose'
bright green with red spines that fade with age - 'Variegata'
creamy green color with tiny leaves and spikes
- 'Monstrose'
- 'Monstrose', 'Variegata'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Euphorbia
- Species:
- mammillaris
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Africa
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-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Succulent
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
- Appendage:
- Spines
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-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- Obtusely lobed, up to 0.25 inch in diameter, subsessile.
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- Bracts
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- It produces a cup-shaped involucre of fused bracts enclosing several greatly reduced male flowers and a single female flower at the tip of each stem in late winter to early summer.
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-
Leaves:
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- the leaves are small, green and ephemeral.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Corky Ridges
- Stem Description:
- Thick succulent gray-green stems with 7-17 ribs, scattered spikes and club-like lateral branches.
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Dry Soil
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
-
-
Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- The milky white latex sap found in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. If contact with the eyes occurs the sap can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea. If eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa. Avoid ingesting plant parts and keep plants away from pets and children.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Diterpene esters in milky latex
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
