African Spurge Euphorbia resinifera
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- yoo-FOR-bee-ah res-in-IH-fer-ah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Resin Spurge is a species of spurge with erect succulent stems that, at first glance, have the appearance of cactus. The plant is a dense, slow-growing shrub forming a multi-stemmed, cushion-shaped clump that can grow to 24 inches tall and spread to 6 feet, 7 inches wide. The ascending branches are pale green with four ridges, short, sharp spines and small, inconspicuous flowers. It is sometimes used as a houseplant.
Resin Spurge has a stiff, mounding form. It is generally leafless with the stems providing photosynthesis. The flowers are small, simple, and bright yellow. Flowering is rare out of its native range. It grows best in partial to full sun and is tolerant of alkaline and saline soils; however, soils must be well drained. Little to no additional water is needed during most of the year. Supplemental water is needed only during the hottest months of the summer. Stem cuttings (resin spurge branches profusely and stem segments are readily available). Allow stem segments (propagules) to dry for a week before planting so the wound can seal. Unsealed cuttings, planted too soon, will easily rot before they can grow roots. Wear gloves to prevent contact with the toxic milky sap.
Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Euphorbia
- Species:
- resinifera
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Morocco
- Edibility:
- Toxic
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Succulent
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Ascending
- Dense
- Erect
- Mounding
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Texture:
- Coarse
- 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:
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- A small capsule with one seed in each cell.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are small, simple, and bright yellow.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Insignificant
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- Yes
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Covered with a powdery bloom (glaucous)
- Stem Description:
- The stems are erect, succulent, superficially like a cactus, four-angled, with short but sharp pairs of 0.24 inch spines on the angles, spaced about 0.39 inches apart up the stem.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
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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:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
- Stems
