Euphorbia squarrosa Seeds - Rare South African Endemic Succulent - NEW

Euphorbia squarrosa Seeds

South African Endemic Succulent

Euphorbia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Consisting of 2008 species, Euphorbia is the fourth largest genus of flowering plants. The family is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and the Americas, but also in temperate zones worldwide. Succulent species originate mostly from Africa, the Americas and Madagascar. The common name "spurge" derives from the Middle English/Old French espurge ("to purge"), due to the use of the plant's sap as a medicinal purgative. The plants are annual or perennial herbs, woody shrubs or trees with a caustic, poisonous milky sap (latex). In the genus Euphorbia, succulence in the species has often evolved divergently and to differing degrees. Sometimes it is difficult to decide, and it is a question of interpretation, whether or not a species is really succulent or "only" xerophytic. About 850 species are succulent in the strictest sense. If one includes slightly succulent and xerophytic species, this figure rises to about 1000, representing about 45% of all Euphorbia species. Smaller Euphorbias make excellent potted plants while larger species are valuable landscaping plants. Euphorbia squarrosa is a popular choice amongst caudiciform succulent fans. Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, it is a spiny succulent that has a fleshy, underground root which erupts into many branches above the soil. Branches are creeping or semi-erect and around 20cm long, typically dark green, three-angled and twisted, with greyish spines. In bloom, small flowers are green with yellow and red centres. Very easy care and fairly self-sufficient, provided given regular light watering and free-draining soil. Never allow them to sit in water. Likes a position of full sun to part sun. A stunning succulent to display.