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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

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.

More information on Euphorbia.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#shrub#succulent#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#shrub#succulent#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Species:
    resinifera
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Morocco
    Edibility:
    Toxic
  • 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
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    A small capsule with one seed in each cell.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are small, simple, and bright yellow.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Insignificant
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • 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.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    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:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Bark
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems