Page 12 - may2021
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sc gardens - plant enthusiasts



                               Euphorbia is a very large and diverse family. The
                               plants may be herbs, shrublets, shrubs or trees,
                               herbaceous, woody or succulent, but are always
                               characterized by conspicuous milky latex, and
                               unusual floral structures. It is the only genus of
                               plants that has all three kinds of photosynthesis,
                               CAM, C3 and C4. In Botswana we have almost
                               30 indigenous species of Euphorbia.

                               Euphorbias range from tiny annual plants to large and
                               long-lived trees, a genus that has over 2,000 species.
                               Succulent species are mostly confined to Africa and
                               Madagascar. Poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima (top left)
                               are a popular Christmas flower, Euphorbia obesa  and
                               Euphorbia horrida (below left) are valued for their bizarre
                               appearance; Euphorbia ingens and Euphorbia cooperi
                               (opposite page) are Southern Africa’s largest succulent
                               trees, resembling candelabras. The crown of thorns plant
                               (Euphorbia milii, 2nd left) is commonly used as a thorny
                               barrier, for extra security.

                               Many are used as ornamentals in landscaping, for their
                               beauty, form, drought and heat tolerance, like Euphorbia
                               tirucalli and Euphorbia grandicornis (4th left), while quite a
                               few make good pot plants like Euphorbia clava (3rd left).

                               Euphorbia pekinensis is used in traditional Chinese medicine,
                               where it is regarded as one of the 50 fundamental herbs.
                               Hydrocarbons (fuel) have also been extracted from the
                               species. The latex of Euphorbia species is dangerous and
                               often causes extreme pain or blindness if the smallest
                               drop comes into contact with the eye, or causes painful
                               inflammation of the mucous membranes and throat.
                               Caution should always be exercised when pruning plants
                               by wearing gloves and safety glasses.
                                                              Text and Photos by S.C
             SC GARDENS: CONSULTATION SERVICES

             CALL: 75435290/EMAIL: sc.gardens@yahoo.com
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