Types of Euphorbia

The genus of euphorbia is very varied: we find herbs, as well as succulents, trees and shrubs. Herbaceous plants do not have many uses in landscaping. The plants contain latex that in contact with the skin are itching, and if ingested, we would have more serious problems, such as cramps, delirium or collapse, and the others grow much longer because they are also more decorative.

Therefore, when we want to plant some euphorbia, it is highly recommended to choose the right species. And it is that herbs are not only cultivated little, but in general, they are plants that generally live a few months. The rest, however, will adorn the garden, patio or terrace for a longer time. So that, we will see the best types of euphorbia to have in the ground or in a pot.

Index

Trees

There are several species of euphorbia that reach impressive heights. They are highly appreciated in gardens, although sometimes they are also grown in pots:

Candelabram Euphorbia

La Candelabram Euphorbia is a succulent tree endemic to the Horn of Africa that it reaches a maximum height of 20 meters, although the standard thing is that it can not exceed 10 meters . It can live with little water, but the soil is important to have excellent drainage.

Euphorbia tirucalli

La Euphorbia tirucalli This is a tree endemic to the arid regions of Africa and India. It is known as the finger tree, antenna or skeleton, and grows between 12 and 15 meters tall developing cylindrical and succulent stems. It is easy to care for because it needs a little watering and a sunny exposure.

Euphorbia trigona

La Euphorbia trigona It is a species of tree native to Africa, known as the African milk tree, or cathedral cactus, although it has nothing to do with cacti. It grows at a slow rate, so it can be grown in pots for years. It can reach 10 meters in height.

Euphorbia ingens

La Euphorbia ingens It is an endemic tree in South Africa, with a candelabra-shaped crown formed by succulent stems. It is a beautiful plant, recommended for rockery and dry gardens it reaches more or less 15 meters in height.

Shrubby

Among the bush euphoria we find a large variety. The most recommended:

Euphorbia aphylla

La Euphorbia aphylla is an endemic species of the Canary Islands that develop succulent stems up to 2.5 meters tall. It has no leaves, but otherwise is a very drought-resistant plant.

Euphorbia balsamifera

La Euphorbia balsamifera It is a shrub known as sweet Tabaiba that grows in the Canary Islands, Sahara and reaches Arabia. Reaches an approximate height of 1.5 meters and branches from the bottom of the stem. According to the law of the Canary Island, this is the natural plant symbol of the island of Lanzarote.

Euphorbia characias

La Euphorbia characias , or Mediterranean Euphorbia, is a perennial shrub plant native to the Mediterranean region. It grows more or less up to a meter in height, and it has the peculiarity that it does not smell too good. It can be near a garden for plants that want a little watering.

Euphorbia enopla

La Euphorbia enopla is a species of succulent and thorny shrub endemic to South Africa. It branches a lot and from the base, and its stems are cylindrical. Grows up to 90 cm tall, and it is very interesting because the spines have a beautiful red color.

Euphorbia lactea

La Euphorbia lactea is a shrub native to tropical Asia that grows up to 5 meters tall . The crown is made of stems 3-5 cm in diameter, and with short spines on their crests. It is often transplanted, especially the cultivar Euphorbia lactea subsp. Cristata .

Euphorbia milii

La Euphorbia milii, known as the crown of Christ, is a shrub native to Madagascar. It reaches a height of 2 meters and has thorny stems at the end of which sprout green deciduous leaves, as well as flowers that are red, white, pink or orange. The latter appear in spring.

Euphorbia pulcherrima

La Euphorbia pulcherrima  It is a deciduous shrub native to Mexico and Central America, known as Poinsettia, Poinsettia or Christmas flower. Reaches a height of 4 meters , with ovate green leaves. It blooms at the end of the year and until spring, producing inflorescences composed of bracts (modified leaves) of red, yellow or pink color. It is very sensitive to cold.

Euphorbia regis-jubae

La Euphorbia regis-jubae is a succulent shrub native to the Canary Islands and Africa grows up to 2 meters tall . It is a highly branched plant that has long, thin green leaves. It is interesting to have a pot in warm climates.

Euphorbia resinifera

La Euphorbia resinifera This is a succulent species native to Morocco. Reaches 60 cm in height , and it has stems that, although they do not usually branch, they are very numerous and grow very close together, something that gives the plant a curious appearance. It can withstand frosts occasionally and poorly.

Herbs

Herbaceous euphorbias are usually annual plants (although there are exceptions), of low altitude. They are not very commercialized, especially in comparison to the others that live longer, but they can look good in, for example, a zero-garden.

Euphorbia cyparissias

La Euphorbia cyparissias It is a living herb known as cypress euphorbia or spurge which grows in Europe. It grows between 10 and 30 cm in height, and has elongated green leaves that turn red in autumn . Due to the origin, it is ideal for growing in temperate regions, because it is well moderate frosts.

Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’

The Diamond Euphorbia is a hybrid of Euphorbia hypericifolia . It is an annual cycle herb that reaches a height of approximately 30 cm. It has very decorative white flowers that sprout in spring-summer.

Euphorbia exigua

La Euphorbia exigua It is an annual herb native to Macaronesia, Europe and reaches Iran. It has straight stems and linear leaves it is about 25 cm high.

Euphorbia falcata

La Euphorbia falcata is an annual herb native to Macaronesia, the Mediterranean region and the Himalayas.  Grows between 20 and 30 cm tall, and develops green stems with oval leaves.

Euphorbia hirsuta

La Euphorbia hirsuta It is endemic to Macaronesia and the Mediterranean region. Grows between 30 and 40 inches tall , and the stems are often covered with very short hairs.

Euphorbia lathyris

La Euphorbia lathyris or asparagus is a perennial herb that grows wild in India and Africa. It reaches a height of 30-90 cm and is blue-green in color. It is especially cultivated for the wart repellent properties .

Euphorbia medicaginea

La Euphorbia medicaginea is an annual herb native to the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands and North Africa reaches 35 cm in height . The leaves are lanceolate, green in color and come from more or less erect stems. It is a rowan plant, which is often considered a weed when grown in cultivated land.

Obese euphorbia

La abis euphorbia is a perennial succulent herb endemic to South Africa that has a ball-shaped stem. It is 15 cm in diameter and approximately 10 cm high when it reaches adulthood and has no spines. . It is one of the most decorative euphorbia species.

Euphorbia paralias

La Euphorbia paralias It is a perennial herb native to Macaronesia, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean region. It has stems that grow upright, about 75 cm tall and green. It only lives well in well-drained land, as long as there are no moderate frosts.

Euphorbia prostrata

La Euphorbia prostrata It is an endemic annual herb cycle from the United States to South America. Develops slender, hanging stems up to 20 cm long , green color. In the places of origin it is used for digestive disorders, but it is not advisable to consume if it is not under medical registration.

Euphorbia segetalis

La Euphorbia segetalis It is a living or annual herb depending on the climate, native to Macaronesia, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean region. Reaches a height of 10-40 cm, and in its places of origin it is used as a laxative and antiseptic.

Euphorbia serrata

La Euphorbia serrata , known as the fig tree of hell or serrated leaf asparagus, is an annual herb native to the European continent that reaches 40 cm in height. It develops a single stem with leaves whose border is serrated . As an interesting fact, it is believed that in some cities in Andalusia girls used the juice of this plant to paint their faces.

Euphorbia suzannae

La Euphorbia suzannae This is a succulent herb native to South Africa. It has cylindrical stems, short about 10 cm, and with very short and harmless spines. It grows fast and can withstand mild frosts .

Euphorbia terracina

La Euphorbia terracina is an annual herb native to Macaronesia, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean region. Grows up to 65 cm tall , and usually has a simple stem, although sometimes it branches.

Which of the types of Euphorbia did you like most?