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Interesting spineless foliage of the exotic Euphorbia tirucalli
plant |
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Euphorbia tirucalli
(Pencil Cactus, Rubber Hedge Euphorbia, Milk Bush, Petroleum
Plant, Aveloz) |
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Origin: India, Africa
Light:
Bright indirect light
Height: 15'
Blooms: Yellow flowerhead, rare
Foliage: Green branches
arranged in pseudowhorls, leaves very
small, deciduous
Soil: Sandy, keep dry between waterings
Water: Little-moderate
Propagation: Cuttings
Uses: Hedges, living fence post, specimen, container
Caution: Milky corrosive sap from stem cuttings may cause allergic
reactions. Unsafe for fish, pets or children, caustic to the eyes.
Fertilize bi-monthly.
Comments: Euphorbia tirucalli or Pencil Cactus or Rubber Hedge
Euphorbia or Milk Bush or Petroleum plant or Aveloz is an unique multi branched, pencil-sized stemmed
succulent plant. This sub-tropical and tropical ornamental plant
grows well in a dry area of the garden and has a rapid growth. Plant against a
wall for support and away from human traffic. Prune
regularly to keep plant in shape. Cuttings are easily propagated.
Euphorbia tirucalli makes a good specimen plant and needs protection
from frost. It is also grown for its traditional medicinal value
in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Braziland Malabar for the
treatment of cancer, tumors, warts and excrescences. Pencil Cactus is
grown as a mosquito repellant tree in Africa. Interestingly, the
latex of this plant contains rubber.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 8-11 |
