Origin and Common Names
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff, also known as spurge, belongs to the genus Euphorbia. It is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region, particularly the western part of the Balkan Peninsula in Europe.
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff is commonly referred to as Cretan spurge, Cretan euphorbia, and Balkan spurge. It is named after the botanist C.J. Humphries.
General Appearance
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff is a small, low-growing perennial plant that can reach up to 20 cm in height. It has a branched stem that is woody at the base and green at the top. The leaves are small, narrow, and grayish-green, arranged alternately on the stem.
The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, arranged in terminal clusters. They are enclosed by modified leaves called bracts, which are larger and more conspicuous than the actual flowers. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule that contains tiny seeds.
Uses
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff has both medicinal and ornamental uses. The plant contains toxins that have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including skin diseases, constipation, and rheumatism.
As an ornamental plant, Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff is used in rock gardens, as a groundcover, or in containers. Its attractive foliage and unique flowers make it a popular choice for landscape design.
Light Requirements
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff thrives in bright light. It requires a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight per day. However, excessive direct sunlight may cause scorching or sunburn. It is recommended to place the plant near a south-facing window with a sheer curtain to filter the light.
Temperature Requirements
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff prefers warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. It can still grow in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius. However, it cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Exposure to colder temperatures can affect its growth and cause the leaves to wilt or drop off.
Soil Requirements
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff requires well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It grows best in sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil must be allowed to dry out partially before the next watering to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. To improve drainage, mix perlite or sand into the soil before planting.
Cultivation methods for Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff is a plant that requires very little water and thrives best in well-draining soils. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. If you decide to plant Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff from seeds, you should sow them in a mixture of coarse sand and perlite. After sowing, cover the seeds lightly and water them sparingly. Germination usually takes between one and three weeks.
If you decide to plant Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff by stem cuttings, you should take cuttings that are at least 10-15 cm long and place them in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings often take longer to root, but once they do, they will grow quickly.
Watering needs for Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff is a plant that does not require frequent watering. In fact, it is better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering, as too much water can cause root rot. The plant should be watered only when the soil has dried out completely. During the growing season, this may be every one to two weeks.
Fertilization for Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff does not require frequent fertilization, but it does benefit from occasional feeding. A slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil at the beginning of the growing season. Alternatively, a liquid fertilizer can be added every month during the growing season.
Pruning for Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff does not require frequent pruning. However, if the plant becomes too leggy or starts to look untidy, it can be pruned back by about one-third in the spring. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning, as the plant's sap can be irritating to the skin.
Propagation of Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff can be propagated through various methods. The most common propagation methods for this plant include:
Seeds
Propagation of Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff can be done through seeds. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays with well-draining soil. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil. The trays should be kept moist by regular watering and placed in a bright location but not in direct sunlight. The seeds will germinate in 1-2 weeks.
Division
Propagation of Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff can also be done through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting them individually. The best time to do this is in the spring when the new growth begins. Care should be taken to ensure that each section has a well-developed root system. The newly planted sections should be watered regularly and kept in a bright location but not in direct sunlight.
Cuttings
Propagation of Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff can also be done through cuttings. This involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy plant and planting them in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be taken in the spring when the new growth begins. The cuttings should be placed in a bright location but not in direct sunlight and kept moist by regular watering. Roots will form within a few weeks and new growth will begin.
Disease and Pest Management for Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. humbertii Sherff, commonly known as Wolfsmilch, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is a drought-tolerant plant and is found in rocky and sandy habitats such as hillsides, slopes, and steppe vegetation of Iran. This plant is susceptible to some diseases and pests that can cause serious damage to the plant.
Common Diseases
The plant can be affected by some fungal and bacterial diseases that include:
- Crown rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora and can lead to the death of the plant. The initial symptoms include the wilting of the stem and leaves, followed by the appearance of brown discoloration on the stem base. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, remove infected plants, and use fungicidal treatments.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora and appears as brown spots on leaves. Leaf spot can cause the leaves to deform, yellow and fall, leading to shriveled plants. To manage this disease, remove the infected finger by pruning, and use fungicidal sprays.
Common Pests
The plant can be attacked by some pests, such as:
- Aphids: These are soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage these pests.
- Spider mites: These pests are often found on the underside of leaves and suck the plant's sap, leading to yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. Manages spider mites with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or by simply washing the foliage with water.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the foliage, leaving holes and defoliating the plant. Handpicking and the use of Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal treatments can manage these pests effectively.
Regular monitoring, proper sanitation, and appropriate cultural practices can help in preventing the spread of diseases and pests. Maintaining a healthy and stress-free plant can help in preventing attacks by pests and diseases.
