General Appearance
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It commonly grows up to 1 meter in height, and it has a distinct milky-white sap that can cause skin irritation and even blindness if it gets into the eyes. The plant has numerous hairy stems that are greenish-grey in color. Its leaves are alternate, lanceolate in shape, and their margins are usually finely serrated. The flowers of this plant are small, greenish-yellow, and emit a pungent odor.
Origin
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. is native to Europe and Western Asia. It grows in a wide range of habitats like forests, meadows, and open fields. This plant has spread to other parts of the world, including North America, where it is considered an invasive species.
Common Names
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. has several common names, including Turkish spurge, Oriental spurge, and spurgeweed.
Uses
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Its sap contains a range of active compounds, including diterpenes, and has been used for the treatment of skin conditions like warts, corns, and ringworm. In addition, the plant is also used in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Light Requirements
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. prefers full sun exposure to partial shade. The plant can survive in direct sunlight, although it can also grow in areas with light partial shade. However, if subjected to low light conditions, the growth rate and flowering potential of the plant can be considerably affected.
Temperature Requirements
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. tolerates a wide range of temperatures. The plant thrives in areas with average temperatures between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). However, it can survive temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F) for a brief duration.
Soil Requirements
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers sandy loam soil that can hold moisture and nutrients while still draining excess water. Additionally, the soil pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.5). The plant can also grow in slightly alkaline soil with a pH of up to 8.0, but extra care should be taken to ensure that the soil is adequately enriched with lime and other soil conditioners.
Cultivation Methods:
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow. The plant does well in full sun and partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It can be grown in beds and borders or in containers. The ideal planting time for this plant is in the spring, after the last frost.
Watering Needs:
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. The plant is drought tolerant and can survive in dry conditions, but it is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization:
Fertilization is not mandatory for Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss., but it can help to ensure optimal growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 can be applied in the spring when new growth appears. You can also supplement with compost or well-rotted manure.
Pruning:
The pruning of Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. is not necessary, but it can help to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is in the fall, after the plant has finished flowering. Cutting back the plant by about one-third will help to encourage bushier growth in the next growing season. It is essential to wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap of the plant can cause skin irritation.
Propagation of Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss.
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. is generally propagated through four methods:
1. Seed propagation
Seeds of Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. can be sown during late winter or early spring. The seeds can be directly sown in the prepared beds at a depth of about 1-2 cm. The germination of seeds usually takes about 2-4 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they have grown to about 5 cm tall.
2. Cuttings
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. can be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the late summer or early autumn. Take cuttings that are about 8-10 cm long and devoid of any flower buds. Dip the base of cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained rooting mixture. Ensure that the stem is buried about 2-3 cm into the soil. Keep the soil moist until the new roots develop and the cutting begins to produce new growth.
3. Division
Division is another method of propagating Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. The ideal time to divide the plant is during the spring when new growth begins to appear. Gently lift the plant and divide its roots into several sections. Ensure that each section has several stems and healthy roots. Replant the divided sections in well-drained soil and water thoroughly.
4. Layering
Layering is an easy propagation method for Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. in which the stem is not detached from the mother plant immediately. Select a low-growing stem, make a small cut in the bark and dust it with rooting hormone. Bury the wounded spot in the soil and make sure to keep it moist until new roots appear. Cut the stem once it has developed roots and established growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss.
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. is a hardy perennial plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. To keep your plant healthy and thriving, it is important to be vigilant and take steps to manage any issues that arise.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. is powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. Another disease is leaf spot, which causes dark spots to form on the leaves and can eventually lead to defoliation.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Applying a fungicide can also be effective in controlling the disease.
For leaf spot, removing and destroying infected leaves can help prevent the spread of the disease. Applying a fungicide can also help manage the issue.
Common Pests
Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. can also be affected by various pests, including spider mites and aphids. Spider mites can cause discoloration and stunting of the plant, while aphids can cause distortion and wilting of leaves.
Using a strong stream of water to dislodge spider mites from the plant can be effective in managing the pest. Applying a miticide can also help control the issue.
For aphids, using insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective in managing the pest. Encouraging natural predators, such as ladybugs, can also help control aphid populations.
Regularly inspecting your Euphorbia esula L. var. orientalis Boiss. plant and promptly treating any issues that arise can help keep your plant healthy and thriving.
