Euphorbia flanaganii f. cristata - Green Coral

Euphorbia Flanaganii Cristata

Origin

Eastern Cape

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Description

Euphorbia flanaganii f. cristata is a cristate form of Euphorbia flanaganii. This specie has two cristate forms. One with a cristate central shoot and normal cylindrical lateral shoots developed on it, and another with cristate lateral shoots only, without main shoot. The form with lateral shoots type cristation is very common in cultivation. It looks very different from the species and forms a thin flattened crowded cluster and develops in time a large cushion-like mass, up to 6" tall and up to 12" wide which resemble a wavy emerald green coral. The form with caudex cristation forms a snaky fan-shaped ridge with normal cylindrical lateral shoots developed on it. It is quite rare and very different from the cristation involving a lateral shoot.

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. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but don t let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot.

If you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor, feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly.

Landscape

This euphorbia is used as a specimen, hedge or container plant.