Euphorbia Royleana Cactus Plant

Danda Thor

Origin

India

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Description

Euphorbia royleana is a deciduous cactus-like shrub or small tree armed with short prickles along its stems. It grows to 16.5 feet (5 m) tall with stout strunk and many thick fleshy branches with 5-7 thick, wavy, winged ridges armed with pairs of thorns on their margins. Leaves are fleshy, spoon-shaped, 10-15 cm long. The stems become leafless during hot and cold seasons. Flower-heads are yellow-green, 3-4 in almost stalk-less clusters in leaf axils. Fruit is 3-lobed, about 1 cm across. 

It is a medicinal shrub used in Nepal, locally known as siyuri or siudi.

Environment

Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerant wet soil. Unlike most succulents ,Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. If you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor, feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly.

Landscape

Best used to add vibrant and unique colors to the landscape .Ideally suited for hedging.

Caution

The plant is poisonous and skin contact with the sap can cause blistering.