Overview
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.) N.E.Br. belongs to the family of Euphorbiaceae. This plant is often known for its unique appearance, and it grows moderately quickly in the right conditions.
Origin and Distribution
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha is native to Northern Africa, around the regions of Egypt and Libya, but it also thrives in other Mediterranean countries. This species typically grows in rocky and sandy areas with little to no shade, but it may also be found on roadsides, hillsides, and in shrublands.
Common Names
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha is typically referred to as "three-spined spurge" or "tri-spine euphorbia," highlighting its tri-spined structure (which is one of its most recognizable features).
Appearance
The "three-spined spurge" grows up to 60cm in height, featuring a bushy shape. It is easily identifiable by its meaty succulent, light-green stems that bear spines along the ridge edges. Each stem contains three spines, with the central spine usually being longer than the other spines. The leaves of the plant are small, insignificant, and fall-off quickly. The plant's flowers are white or light-green, small, and round, and they are located at the plant's terminal end. When this plant dies or is cut, it secretes a milky sap that can cause skin and eye irritation.
Uses
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha is typically grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its unique appearance. The sap of the plant is also used in traditional medicine as an insecticide and purgative. The latex from the plant's stem may be used in manufacturing of plastics and fuel, although this is not commonly done.
Growth Conditions of Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.) N.E.Br.
Light: Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate direct sunlight for several hours a day, but it prefers some afternoon shade in hot summer months. In low light conditions, the plant can become leggy and weak.
Temperature: Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha is an adaptable plant that can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the day and 15-20°C (59-68°F) at night. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F) but it may lose leaves and become dormant.
Soil: Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic (6.0-7.0). It is important to avoid waterlogging the soil as it can lead to root rot. The plant can grow in poor soil, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Water: Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy, and it should dry out slightly between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is important to avoid getting the leaves wet while watering, as it can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilizer: Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks with a diluted solution to avoid burning the roots and leaves. Avoid fertilizing during winter dormancy.
Propagation: Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha can be propagated from stem cuttings or by seed. Stem cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and allowed to dry for several days before being planted in well-draining soil. Seeds should be sown in spring and kept moist until germination.
Cultivation Methods
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.) N.E.Br., commonly known as the three-cornered spurge, is a succulent plant that thrives in well-draining soil with high organic matter content. When planting, make sure to choose a spot that receives full to partial sun exposure, and ensure that the soil pH is between 6.0 to 7.5.
You can propagate the plant through stem cuttings or seeds. If using cuttings, let them callus for a few days before planting them in a well-draining potting mix. The plant is drought tolerant, and it is better to underwater it than overwater. In areas with high humidity, it is essential to ensure that air movement is sufficient to avoid fungal infections.
Watering Needs
As a succulent plant, Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha is drought tolerant and, therefore, requires minimal watering. Water the plant once a week in the growing season, and in winter, reduce the watering frequency to once every 3-4 weeks. Ensure that the soil dries out entirely before the next watering session.
When watering, water the soil directly and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal infections. Also, avoid letting water accumulate in the plant's saucer as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Although Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha does not require frequent fertilization, feeding it once during the growing season can enhance growth. You can use a liquid cactus fertilizer or any other succulent fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength as the plant is sensitive to high salt levels.
Fertilize only when the plant is in the active growing period and avoid feeding it in winter and dormant periods.
Pruning
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha does not require frequent pruning as it maintains a compact size. However, if the plant becomes leggy or shows signs of disease or damage, pruning may be necessary.
When pruning, wear protective gloves and eyewear, as the plant has thorny spines that can cause irritation. Use a sterile, sharp pair of pruning shears to make a clean cut and avoid damaging the plant. Ensure that you disinfect the pruning tools before and after use to prevent fungal or bacterial infections.
Propagation of Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.) N.E.Br.
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.) N.E.Br., also known as the Moroccan Mound, is a succulent plant that is easy to propagate. This plant is propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and offsets.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.) N.E.Br., through seeds is straightforward. The plant produces tiny seeds that should be collected in the fall and sown immediately. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and should be kept moist. Germination usually takes two to four weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.) N.E.Br., can also be propagated through stem cuttings. To propagate using stem cuttings, select a healthy stem and make a clean cut with a sterile knife or scissors. Allow the cutting to dry for a few days in a shaded and dry place. After the cutting has calloused over, the cutting can be planted in well-draining soil mix. It should be kept moist but not wet until roots are established.
Propagation by Offsets
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.) N.E.Br., produces offsets around the base of the plant, which can be used for propagation. To propagate using offsets, gently separate the offsets from the parent plant using a sterile knife or scissors. Allow the offsets to dry for a few days in a shaded and dry place. After the offsets have calloused over, they can be planted in well-draining soil mix. It should be kept moist but not wet until roots are established.
Disease Management
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha is susceptible to different diseases like fungal, bacterial, and viral infections, which weaken the plant and lower its yield. Proper disease management can protect the plant, and the following strategies can help:
- Sanitation: Regular pruning of infected or dead plant parts is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Fungicides: Fungicides like copper-based sprays or neem oil can be used to manage fungal infections.
- Bactericides: Bactericides like streptomycin can be used to control bacterial infections like soft rot and bacterial wilt.
- Virus Elimination: Infected plants need immediate removal and destruction to prevent the spread of viral infections.
Pest Management
Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. var. triacantha can also suffer from different types of pests like mites, nematodes, and beetles. Pesticides should be used as a last resort, and the following pest management strategies can be applied:
- Physical Control: Handpicking, pruning, and destruction of infected plant parts can help in controlling pest populations.
- Biological Control: Biological control involves the use of natural predators like ladybugs to control pests without the use of chemicals.
- Cultural Control: Crop rotation, proper irrigation management, and planting in healthy soil can minimize pest infestations.
- Organic Pesticides: Organic pesticides like neem oil or pyrethrin can be used to control pests in a less toxic manner.
