Origin and Common Names
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to the Canary Islands, specifically to the islands of Lanzarote (where it was first discovered), La Graciosa, and Montaña Clara. The plant is commonly known as "Tabaibilla," which is a Spanish word for a plant that is difficult to clear or cut down due to its strong stem.Appearance
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff is a branching, grayish-green succulent that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The plant has stems that are cylindrical, thick, and fleshy, with a texture that is smooth to the touch. The stems are covered with closely packed, narrow leaves that are arranged spirally. The leaves are about 1 cm long and fall off early in the growing season. The plant's flowers are small, yellowish-green, and clustered in terminal cymes.Uses
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff has several uses in traditional medicine. The plant's sap has been used to treat skin conditions such as warts, corns, and calluses, as well as eczema and psoriasis. It is also said to have antitumor properties and has been used to treat certain types of cancer. In some cultures, the sap is used as a purgative or to induce vomiting. The plant's tough stem has been used to make walking sticks, while in some areas, it is used as firewood. In summary, Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff is a succulent plant native to the Canary Islands, known for its strong stem and grayish-green appearance. The plant's sap is used medicinally to treat skin conditions and cancer, while its stem can be used for making walking sticks or as firewood.Light Requirements
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff requires full sunlight for its proper growth and development. It cannot thrive in shaded areas or regions with low light intensity.
Temperature Range
The plant prefers temperate climatic conditions that are neither too cold nor too hot. The ideal temperature range that this plant can tolerate is between 15 °C to 30 °C. Extreme temperatures can cause damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
For healthy growth, Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff requires a well-drained soil that is fertile, rich in organic matter, and has a slightly alkaline pH. The soil should also have good water retention capacity to ensure that the plant gets enough water even in hot and dry conditions.
The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, sandy, or clay soils. However, it does not thrive in soils that are waterlogged or have poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff is an ornamental plant native to Iran. It can be grown outdoors in zones 7 to 11 or indoors as a potted plant. The plant is adapted to arid regions and requires well-draining soil. It can thrive in sandy or rocky soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements of Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff depend on its environment. When grown in a container, the soil should be allowed to dry between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Outdoors, the plant can withstand periods of drought, but it should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods. It is important to ensure the soil drains well to prevent standing water around the roots.
Fertilization
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff does not require frequent fertilization. An application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of vibrant blooms. Wait until the plant reaches maturity before applying any fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff is not necessary, but it can help to maintain the plant's appearance. The plant can become leggy over time, and pruning can help to promote denser growth. Prune the stems that have become too tall or spindly back to a side branch or a node. Wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning, as the plant can produce a milky sap that can cause skin irritation.
Propagation of Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss.var.laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff can be propagated through various methods. Two of the most common methods include seed propagation and stem cutting propagation.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds from matured Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff plants can be collected for propagation. It is essential to ensure that the seeds are fully matured before collection. To collect the seeds, wait for the fruits to dry up and split open, then collect the seeds. After collection, clean the seeds and sow them in a well-draining soil mix. Ensure that the seeds are sown at a depth of not more than 0.25 inches and water the seeds moderately until the plants are established.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut softwood stems from the mother plant, ensuring that the cutting is at least four inches long. After cutting, leave the stem to dry for a day or two before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Ensure that the soil is moderately moist. To prevent water loss, cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag or bottle. After some weeks, roots should start to develop, and the new plant can be moved to a bigger pot when it is established.
Disease Management
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff can be affected by several diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves, which may turn yellow or brown and fall off. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity around the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes white powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It thrives in humid and cool conditions. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and treat it with a fungicide specially designed to combat powdery mildew.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of plants, causing them to rot and die. It is usually caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, reduce watering, and improve soil drainage.
Pest Management
Euphorbia celastroides Boiss. var. laehiensis O.& I. Deg. & Sherff can also be affected by several pests, including:
- Whiteflies: These are small white insects that can be found on the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage this pest, remove infected plant parts, use yellow sticky traps, and spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These are small green or black insects that are found on the stems and undersides of leaves. They suck sap from the plant and cause curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage this pest, remove infected plant parts, use yellow sticky traps, and spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are small insects that are barely visible to the naked eye. They feed on the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, causing yellowing, stunting, and eventual death of the plant. They also spin webs on the plant. To manage this pest, remove the infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and spray the plant with a miticide.
