Euphorbia Horrida | Euphorbia | Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia horrida: The African Milk Barrel Succulent

Euphorbia horrida, also known as the African Milk Barrel, is a unique succulent shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae plant family. Native to South Africa, this clump-forming plant features irregular basally clumping stems with a spiny and thorny appearance, resembling a cactus.

The stems of Euphorbia horrida are erect, cylindrical, and can grow up to 75 cm tall with a thickness of 100 to 150 mm. They have 10 to 20 flattened, often wavy ribs armed with orange or brown spines. The plant's distinctive coloration includes gray/blue/green cactus-like ridges lined with sharp edges bordered with thorns.

Euphorbia horrida is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in various conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought and heat, making it suitable for xeriscaping. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, this succulent adds a touch of exoticism to any space.

Although slow-growing, mature healthy plants are tough and can withstand frost. However, caution must be taken when handling the plant as it produces a milky sap that can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested.

Euphorbia horrida is an excellent choice for succulent enthusiasts and beginners alike. Its spiny appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a fascinating addition to any garden or indoor collection.

Characteristics of Euphorbia horrida

Euphorbia horrida, also known as the African Milk Barrel, is a succulent species from the Euphorbiaceae plant family native to South Africa. This spiny succulent shrub features irregular basally clumping stems that can grow up to 75 cm tall and 100 to 150 mm thick. Its erect, cylindrical stems have 10 to 20 flattened, often wavy ribs armed with orange or brown spines. Despite its Latin name meaning "horrible," the African Milk Barrel is a beautiful and unique addition to any succulent collection.

The African Milk Barrel resembles a spiny cactus, but it is actually a succulent. Its leaves are small and quickly fall off, with the stems responsible for photosynthesis. The plant produces a milky sap that is toxic and can cause skin irritation, so handling it with care is essential.

This low-maintenance plant thrives in various conditions, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and can survive without water for extended periods. However, overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. The African Milk Barrel is also a slow-growing plant, so repotting should be minimized.

There are several cultivars of the African Milk Barrel, including 'Nova' and 'Major Nova.' The 'Nova' variety features distinctive coloration and waviness of the spines, while the 'Major Nova' showcases unique coloration with sharp edges bordered by thorns.

In conclusion, the African Milk Barrel is a unique and beautiful succulent that adds a touch of exoticism to any garden or succulent collection. Its spiny stems and low-maintenance nature make it suitable for beginners and experienced succulent enthusiasts.

Growing and Caring for Euphorbia horrida

Euphorbia horrida, commonly known as the African Milk Barrel, is a succulent species from the Euphorbiaceae plant family native to South Africa. This spiny succulent shrub features irregular basally clumping stems that can grow up to 75-150 cm tall and 100-150 mm thick. Its erect, cylindrical stems have 10 to 20 flattened, often wavy ribs armed with orange or brown spines. Despite its Latin name meaning "horrible," the African Milk Barrel is a wonderful example of convergent evolution and closely resembles a spiny cactus.

The African Milk Barrel is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various conditions. It prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soil but can tolerate partial shade. During the spring and summer months, it produces small yellow-green flowers surrounded by bright red or orange bracts, adding a pop of color to its appearance.

Euphorbia horrida is also available in the 'Nova' cultivar, which features distinctive coloration and waviness of the spines, making it popular among succulent enthusiasts. Another cultivar, 'Major Nova,' showcases unique coloration with sharp edges bordered by thorns.

It is important to note that Euphorbia horrida contains a toxic, milky sap that can cause skin irritation and is harmful if ingested. Therefore, handling the plant with care and keeping it out of reach of children and pets is essential.

In conclusion, Euphorbia horrida is a unique and low-maintenance succulent that adds a touch of spiny beauty to any garden or indoor space. Its cactus-like appearance and distinctive coloration make it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts, while its ability to thrive in various conditions makes it suitable for beginners.

Propagation of Euphorbia horrida

Euphorbia horrida, commonly known as the African Milk Barrel, is a succulent shrub that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae plant family. Native to South Africa, it features irregular basally clumping stems with a cactus-like appearance, often mistaken for a cactus due to its spiny nature.

The stems of Euphorbia horrida are 100 to 150 mm thick and can grow up to 75 (150) cm tall. They are erect, cylindrical, and have 10 to 20 flattened, often wavy ribs armed with orange or brown spines. These sharp spines can cause skin irritation, so handling the plant with care is advisable.

Euphorbia horrida is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought and heat. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, which should be allowed to dry for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.

The African Milk Barrel is a popular plant among succulent enthusiasts due to its unique appearance. It is also a great addition to xeriscapes and rock gardens. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Euphorbia horrida 'Nova' is a cultivar of the African Milk Barrel that features distinctive coloration and waviness of the spines. It has irregular basally clumping stems with a grayish-green color and wavy, sharp ridges lined with orange spines. The 'Nova' cultivar is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height.

Euphorbia horrida 'Nova' is a great addition to any succulent collection and can be grown in containers or in the ground. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal watering and can thrive in various conditions.

In conclusion, Euphorbia horrida is a unique and fascinating succulent that is easy to care for and adds a touch of exoticism to any garden or collection. With its spiny nature and cactus-like appearance, it is a great addition to xeriscapes and rock gardens. Whether you choose the classic African Milk Barrel or the distinctive 'Nova' cultivar, Euphorbia horrida is sure to impress.

Common Problems with Euphorbia horrida

Euphorbia horrida, commonly known as the African Milk Barrel, is a succulent species from the Euphorbiaceae plant family native to South Africa. It is a spiny succulent shrub with irregular basally clumping stems that can grow up to 75 cm to 1.5 meters in height. The stems are 100 to 150 mm thick, erect, and have 10 to 20 flattened, often wavy ribs armed with orange or brown spines. Despite its Latin name meaning "horrible," the African Milk Barrel is a wonderful example of convergent evolution, closely resembling a spiny cactus.

Euphorbia horrida is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water, making it suitable for those who tend to forget watering their plants. However, overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.

The African Milk Barrel is a slow-growing plant that takes several years to reach its full height. It produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The plant's sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation, so handling it with care is important.

Euphorbia horrida 'Major Nova' is a popular cultivar of the African Milk Barrel that features unique coloration. It has sharp edges bordered with thorns and a distinctive gray/blue/green color. The 'Nova' African Milk Barrel is a spiny succulent shrub with irregular basally clumping stems, distinctive coloration, and waviness of the spines.

In conclusion, Euphorbia horrida is an excellent choice for succulent enthusiasts looking for a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various conditions. Its unique appearance and slow growth make it a fascinating addition to any succulent collection.

Uses of Euphorbia horrida

Euphorbia horrida, commonly known as the African Milk Barrel, is a succulent shrub that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae plant family. Native to South Africa, it features irregular basally clumping stems with a cactus-like appearance. The stems are cylindrical, erect, and can grow up to 75 (150) cm tall. They have 10 to 20 flattened, often wavy ribs armed with orange or brown spines and a gray-green coloration.

The African Milk Barrel is a wonderful example of convergent evolution, closely resembling a spiny cactus. It is a tough plant that can survive in harsh conditions, making it a popular choice for low-maintenance gardens.

The Euphorbia horrida 'Nova' is a popular cultivar of the African Milk Barrel. It has distinctive coloration and waviness of the spines, making it a unique addition to any succulent collection. The Euphorbia horrida 'Major Nova' is another cultivar that features unique coloration with sharp edges bordered with thorns.

The African Milk Barrel is easy to care for and requires minimal watering. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. However, it is important to handle the plant with care as its sap can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested.

In conclusion, the Euphorbia horrida, or African Milk Barrel, is a unique and low-maintenance succulent shrub that adds a touch of cactus-like appearance to any garden or collection. With its distinctive coloration and spiny appearance, it is sure to be a conversation starter among plant enthusiasts.

Euphorbia horrida vs Cactus

Euphorbia horrida, commonly known as the African Milk Barrel, is a succulent species from the Euphorbiaceae plant family native to South Africa. This spiny succulent shrub features irregular basally clumping stems that can grow up to 75 (150) cm tall and 100 to 150 mm thick. The stems are erect, cylindrical, and have 10 to 20 flattened, often wavy ribs armed with orange or brown spines. Despite its Latin name meaning "horrible," the African Milk Barrel is a wonderful example of convergent evolution, closely resembling a spiny cactus.

Euphorbia horrida is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water, making it an excellent choice for those who tend to forget watering their plants. However, overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.

The African Milk Barrel is a slow-growing plant that takes several years to reach its full height. It produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The plant's sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation, so handling it with care is important.

Euphorbia horrida 'Nova' is a unique variety of the African Milk Barrel that has distinctive coloration and waviness of the spines. This clump-forming succulent has erect cylindrical stems with sharp edges bordered with thorns. The 'Major Nova' variety is an outstanding columnar plant that features a unique coloration of gray/blue/green cactus with wavy, sharp ridges lined with orange spines.

Euphorbia horrida is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a bright, sunny location. It is an excellent addition to any succulent collection and can be propagated through stem cuttings.

Overall, Euphorbia horrida is a unique and fascinating succulent species that is sure to catch the eye of any plant enthusiast. Its spiny appearance and hardy nature make it a great addition to any garden or indoor plant collection.

Buying Euphorbia horrida

Euphorbia horrida, commonly known as the African Milk Barrel, is a spiny succulent shrub that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae plant family. Native to South Africa, it features irregular basally clumping stems that can grow up to 75 (150) cm tall. The stems are cylindrical, erect, and have 10 to 20 flattened, often wavy ribs armed with orange or brown spines. The plant's distinctive gray/blue/green coloration adds to its unique appearance.

The African Milk Barrel is a wonderful example of convergent evolution, closely resembling a spiny cactus. It is a tough plant that can withstand harsh conditions, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Euphorbia horrida is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering. The plant can be propagated from stem cuttings, which should be allowed to dry out for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.

The African Milk Barrel is a popular plant among succulent enthusiasts, and there are several cultivars available in the market. One such cultivar is the Euphorbia horrida 'Nova,' which has distinctive coloration and waviness of the spines. Another cultivar is the Euphorbia horrida 'Major Nova,' which features unique coloration with sharp edges bordered with thorns.

In conclusion, Euphorbia horrida is a unique and fascinating succulent that is easy to care for and adds a touch of exoticism to any garden or indoor space. With its spiny stems and distinctive coloration, it is sure to be a conversation starter among plant enthusiasts.