Plants in family euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly known as the poinsettia, is native to Mexico and Central America. It is famous for its red and green foliage, often used in Christmas displays. This semi-evergreen shrub can grow up to 13 feet tall and is not toxic to pets or children, though ingestion may cause mild discomfort. It requires darkness to change bract color and is susceptible to various plant diseases.
Euphorbia milii 'Pink Hybrid'
Euphorbia milii 'Pink Hybrid' is a thorny-stemmed plant with medium-sized bright green leaves and an upright growth habit. It blooms most of the year with bright pink flowers and thrives in sun to partial shade. This plant reaches 18-24 inches in height and prefers to dry out between waterings.
Euphorbia palustris
Euphorbia palustris is a striking herbaceous perennial known for its bright acid yellow flower-heads in spring and vibrant red and yellow foliage in autumn. Native to European and Asian marshlands, it thrives in moist conditions, even tolerating shallow standing water. This plant is recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It can spread by seeding in suitable moist environments. However, caution is advised as all parts are toxic if ingested and the sap can irritate skin.
Euphorbia ammak 'Variegata'
Euphorbia ammak 'Variegata' is an upright succulent that can grow up to 30 feet in its native habitat, with a thick woody stem marbled in light green and white. It prefers sun to partial sun and should be allowed to dry between waterings.
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli, also known as 'Pencil Cactus,' is a succulent shrub or small tree native to Africa. It is characterized by its pencil-thick, green branches and yellow flowers. The plant contains a milky, toxic sap that can cause temporary blindness, so caution is advised when handling. It thrives in well-drained soils with plenty of bright light, making it suitable for semi-arid tropical climates. Despite its toxicity, it is used in alternative medicine and its latex can be utilized as fuel. Its unique appearance and adaptability to dry conditions make it an interesting addition to xeriscapes.
Euphorbia 'Dragon Bone'
Euphorbia 'Dragon Bone', commonly known as the Dragon Bones Tree, is a succulent with a ribbed pattern and unique branching structure. It thrives in bright indirect or filtered sunlight and is known for its easy care.
Euphorbia clava
Euphorbia clava, originating from the East Cape, is a cylindrical plant suited for well-drained soil in full sun. It can be grown indoors and requires regular watering during its active growing season. The plant is frost-tender and can be propagated by cuttings.
Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Variegata'
Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Variegata' is a fast-growing succulent shrub with reddish flowers and variegated leaves that may blush pink in winter. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers to be on the dry side.
Euphorbia 'Sunrise'
Euphorbia 'Sunrise' is a hybrid with an upright candelabra growth pattern, featuring dark green stems with golden yellow patterns. It can grow 4 to 6 feet tall in cultivation.
Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Variegatus'
Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Variegatus', commonly known as the 'Zigzag Plant' or 'Devil's Backbone', is a succulent native to the West Indies and Mexico. It features succulent stems with white, milky sap and green leaves variegated with white and pink. This plant is drought-tolerant and can adapt to a range of sunlight conditions, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
Euphorbia schoenlandii
Euphorbia schoenlandii is a small, pickle-shaped succulent shrublet native to South Africa's East Cape. It features prominent spiny tubercles and grows in sunny positions with mineral soil. This slow-growing plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Euphorbia ledienii
Euphorbia ledienii is a succulent shrub native to South Africa, resembling a cactus. It can grow up to 6.5 feet tall and requires full sun and well-draining soil.
Euphorbia ritchiei 'Variegata'
Euphorbia ritchiei 'Variegata' is a succulent spurge from Kenya, characterized by its thick, glaucous stems with tubercles and white variegated leaves that turn pink in high light. The plant forms mounds as it branches from the base, making it an interesting addition to succulent collections.
Euphorbia bougheyi
Euphorbia bougheyi is a shrub with flat or trigonal stems that grow in a candelabra fashion. It develops a woody trunk and produces a white sap that can irritate the skin. This plant is part of the Euphorbiaceae family and is known for its unique growth habit.
Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Nana'
Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Nana' is a compact plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and temperatures ranging from 40 to 100 degrees. It grows up to 6 inches tall and prefers humidity around 50%. The soil should be allowed to dry between waterings, making it a low-maintenance choice for indoor gardens.
Euphorbia caput-medusae
Euphorbia caput-medusae is a unique plant native to the Cape Town area of South Africa, known for its serpent-like stems emerging from a central caudex. It can sometimes exceed 1 meter in diameter and grows in deep sand or rocky outcrops. This plant's unusual appearance makes it a fascinating addition to succulent collections.
Euphorbia xylophylloides
Euphorbia xylophylloides, commonly known as Milk bush, is a large, much-branched shrub or tree native to Madagascar. It features fleshy, flat, ribbon-like shoots and can grow up to 20 meters tall in its native habitat. This plant is known for its non-symmetrical growth and yellowish hairy flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Euphorbia famatamboay
Euphorbia famatamboay is a plant endemic to Madagascar, found in dry forests and shrublands. It is threatened by habitat loss, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for this unique species.
Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Curly Pink'
Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Curly Pink' thrives in bright, indirect light and temperatures between 40 to 100°F. It grows up to 6 inches tall and prefers humidity around 50%, with soil that dries between waterings.
Euphorbia leuconeura
Euphorbia leuconeura, commonly known as the Madagascar jewel, is a branching small tree endemic to Madagascar. It grows up to 5 feet tall and is known for its attractive dark green leaves with white veins. This plant is less susceptible to overwatering and thrives in partial to full shade. It propagates by shooting seeds several feet into the air and secretes a toxic white fluid when damaged.
Euphorbia greenwayi
Euphorbia greenwayi is a mounding spurge native to Tanzania, with light green to powder-blue stems and red-hued thorns. It occasionally produces small yellow flowers and contains a latex sap that can irritate the skin.
Euphorbia trigona
Euphorbia trigona, known as the African Milk Tree, is a succulent from Central Africa with upright stems and many branches. It has dark green stems with light green patterns and small leaves on ridges. This plant is pest-free but has a poisonous latex sap.
Poinsettia 'Pink'
Poinsettia 'Pink' is a tropical plant native to Mexico and Central America, famous for its colorful foliage used in Christmas displays. While traditionally red and green, it can also feature pink, white, and variegated leaves. The plant's leaf color may change under different lighting conditions.
Euphorbia ammak 'Crested'
Euphorbia ammak 'Crested', also known as the African candelabra, is a massive plant with yellow-green flowers suited for well-drained soil and full sun. It can grow indoors and requires regular watering during the growing season, but should be kept dry in winter.
Euphorbia squarrosa
Euphorbia squarrosa, also known as Lactus, is a slow-growing succulent native to Tanzania. It is well-suited for pots with good drainage and requires an airy potting medium. This plant is highly tolerant of heat and can withstand temperatures as low as 21°F. It prefers full sun to light shade and needs regular watering during its active growing season, while remaining almost dry in winter.
Euphorbia groenewaldii
Euphorbia groenewaldii is a critically endangered succulent native to southern Africa, known for its excellent heat tolerance and slow growth. This plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to light shade, with more pronounced color in full sun. It requires regular watering during its active season but should be kept dry in winter. Euphorbia groenewaldii can tolerate some cold, down to 21°F, and is a unique addition to collections for its resilience and distinctive appearance.