by L. M. Moe

As many members know, one of the largest and most diverse categories in our annual Show and Sale is Euphorbia. Because there are stem succulent euphorbias and caudiciform euphotbias, we generally run out of room to display all of the plants. Because these are mostly found in South Africa, this group of plants is appropriate for this month’s "Plant of the Month."

The genus Euphorbia is one of the largest and most complex genera of flowering plants with over 1500 species (only Astragalus, a legume related to Lupines, is larger) Of these, around 870 are regarded as succulent. Euphorbias are primarily found in the tropical regions of Africa and the Americas, but also in temperate zones. Succulent species are mostly found in Africa and Madagascar.

Euphorbia is the major genus in the Euphorbiaceae (spurge family) that includes plants such as the poinsettia, castor bean, and cassava (from which we get tapioca). Euphorbias exude a sticky white sap (latex) from any cut or wound. This latex may produce a severe dermatitis on susceptible individuals, much like poison oak. The latex of some species has been used for arrow poisons and to stupefy fish for capture. Because the latex can be so toxic, it is good practice to never touch your eyes while working with the plants.

The name "Euphorbia" comes from Euphorbus, a Greek physician of King Juba II (about 50 BC to 19 AD) of Numidia (present day Algeria). King Juba II was the first person to find a succulent-type euphorbia, and he named it after his physician who supposedly used the milky latex of these plants in his medicinal potions.

Euphorbias range from small trees, shrubs, vines, to herbaceous plants. A significant percentage of these plants are succulent, some of which resemble cacti. Most euphorbias are monoecious, meaning that the male and female flowers are on separate plants. The "flowers" are actually large bunches of colored leaves (modified bracts); the flowers themselves are in the center of each leaf bunch and are small and inconspicuous.

Euphorbias are generally easy to grow in Bakersfield. They need to grow in a place that is bright, although not necessarily full midday sun. In habitat many euphorbias survive in full sun, but the roots are usually relatively cool, often under rocks. Thus, it is a good idea to place your plants in a location that gets afternoon shade in the summer, but sunshine in the winter. The soil should be well-drained and it is best to water heavily, let the soil drain, moderately dry out, then water again.

A good site for more information and photos is the International Euphorbia Society: