Euphorbia Plant

Euphorbia belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family of plants. Hence, it is important to understand that euphorbia plant is a genus of plants. In fact it is one of the most diverse genera. Euphorbia family members are sometimes referred to as spurges, but since there are more than 2000 varieties of euphorbia plants, they are known by various other names too. Many varieties of euphorbia are popular in container gardening. These plants are perennial, annual and deciduous, semi evergreen and evergreen plants and hence, most of their species are cultivated across the globe. Euphorbia is commonly found in tropical and subtropical parts of Africa and America. Keep reading the article to find out more about these plants.

Characteristics of the Euphorbia Plant
Euphorbia family members are trees, woody shrubs and bushes, low growing ground covering plants and flowering plants. Roots of these plants are tuberous and fleshy and most of these species are succulent. They are also thorny and unarmed. Leaves of euphorbia plant differ as per the species. For instance, some of them are alternate, opposite and in whirls, (in deciduous varieties), while leaves of succulent plants are short lived and smaller in size. These plants have unisex flowers and most of the species of euphorbia have male and female flowers in the same plant. Fruits of these plants have three or two compartments and have typical explosive dehiscence. These plants have four angled seeds that are mostly oval and sometimes spherical. Some species of euphoria bear caruncles, a fleshy structure of seeds.

Poisonous Species
White or yellow, milky sap of euphorbia species, which is also called latex is found to be poisonous. This sap basically acts as a deterrent to herbivores. It also acts as a wound healer for the plants. Toxicity of this sap differs from one species to the other and the terpen easter composition in sap determines its toxicity for us human beings. Commonly, skin irritation, eyes, nose and mouth irritation and painful inflammation are a few common symptoms of euphorbia plant rash and allergies. There are various views and counter views about the toxicity of terpen ester and euphorbia sap. Some studies say that several types of terpen ester are carcinogenic, which means they can cause several types of cancer. It is the reason why one should be careful while handling euphorbia houseplants. If the sap comes in contact with skin or any body part, one should wash that part carefully with water or milk.

Varieties
As I said earlier, there are more than 2000 members that belong to the euphorbia plant genera. It is the reason why I will let you know only a few of them, that are popular for gardening and medicinal purposes. Succulent species of euphorbia like, Euphorbia Pekinensis is a traditional Chinese medicine. Several species of euphorbia are also used as food plants. All in all, the most common usage of euphorbia plants is in flower gardens. These plants are suitable for all types of gardens. These plants include snow on the mountain (Euphorbia Marginata), Robb's Euphorbia, evergreen Spurge, Euphorbia Diamond Frost, Euphorbia Crown of Thorns, Elkhorn, Euphorbia martinii Redwing (hybrid), Euphorbia Blackbird, Euphorbia Rudolph, Euphorbia Helena's Blush, Euphorbia Glacier Blue, Mrs. Robb's bonnet, Euphorbia myrsinites, Euphorbia amygdaloides or wood spurge, etc.

Euphorbia Plant Care
Each different species of euphorbia demand slightly different gardening approach. However, planting them in full to partly sunny area and in well drained soil will bring good results. Euphorbia shrubs on the other hand are needed to be plated in shady area and away from strong windy areas. Annual species of euphorbia should be sown in spring, while you can sow perennial seeds during early spring. You need to do regular pruning once the flowering season is over. For that, remove the side stems of plants. Make sure that you perform pruning by wearing the required clothing and gardening gloves. Some common plant diseases that you should be aware of include, gray mold, aphids and mealybugs. It is the reason why you should use fertilizers like fungicides beforehand. If you find any contaminated plant, then it is advised that you should remove that plant as soon as possible.

As I said earlier, euphorbia plant is one of the largest plant genera and hence, you need to study about each of its species individually, to be an expert in it! Happy gardening!