Euphorbia beharensis
Euphorbia beharensis
Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae)
On Madagascar but rare there too
This spurge grows only in the dry, hot southwest of Madagascar along with 170 other Euphorbia species. Euphorbia beharensis is a sister species to the houseplant known as crown of thorns, which also comes from this island.
The shrub has thick, grey, branching stems of 5mm in diameter armed with tough spines. The plant has conspicuously pointed leaves and browny pink inflorescences. When the fruit opens explosively, the seeds are catapulted out.
The plant is well adapted to the dry conditions due to the thickened base of its stem, which provides the necessary water storage facility. Its light grey stems reflect the sunlight and so help to keep the plant cool.
Its main threats are loss of habitat and being 'harvested' by plant collectors.
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Crown jewel in the Zuidas Botanic Garden.
Spines and a poisonous milky sap are a feature common to all spurges and protect the plant from grazing animals.
Details
Description: | Succulent, up to 0.40 m. |
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Distributions: | Southwest madagascar |
Habitat: | Dry, sandy thickets. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (trees and shrubs included) |
Hardiness: | 34 - 41 f (tender - cool or frost-free glasshouse) |
Flower color: | Green, white, red, pink, yellow |
Notes on flowers: | Sepals green; a false-flower (pseudoanthium) with white, red, pink or yellow bracts. |
Sources
The New Royal Horticultural Society, Dictionary of gardening,http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/44294/0