Euphorbia Stanoclada
Origin
Madagascar
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Description
Euphorbia stenoclada is an upright much branched large leafless succulent shrub or small tree usually seen around 6 feet tall but capable of growing to 12 feet tall or more by 4 to 6 feet wide. It has new growth that is fairly pliable but hardening into rigid flattened blue-gray to silver stems with spines at the tips.
With age it can develop into a gnarled trunk small tree with a rounded head of spiny growth. The flowers, which technically are called a cyathium (plural cyathia) include a bracts, nectar glands, groups of reduced male flowers and a reduced female flower, appearing in spring are small and dark reddish purple and held at branch tips followed by small rounded green lightly hairy fruit.
Environment
It is an easy species to grow that is suited for any well drained soil in full sun. But young plant are happy growing indoors, where they can easily reach the ceiling.
Give the plant an airy growing medium which mainly consists of non organic material such us clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat or leaf-mould.
Water regularly during the active growing season. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep almost completely dry in winter. If plant becomes very red, this is a sign that the roots have not developed properly. It can tolerate moderate shade, and a plant that has been growing in shade should be slowly hardened off before placing it in full sun as the plant will be severely scorched if moved too suddenly from shade into sun. .
Landscape
It makes an excellent and impenetrable barrier. It is a moderately fast grower, and will quickly become large landscape masterpieces in just 3-5 years.
Caution
The plant is poisonous and skin contact with the sap can cause blistering.
