Care of the plant Euphorbia umbellata or African Milk Bush |
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The genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae, includes 2,000 species of succulents, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants of cosmopolitan distribution. Some species are: Euphorbia umbellata, Euphorbia lambii, Euphorbia piscatoria, Euphorbia regis-jubae, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia cotinifolia, Euphorbia milii, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia dendroides, Euphorbia rigida, Euphorbia leucocephala, Euphorbia anachoreta, Euphorbia tithymaloides. Common names: African Milk Bush, African Milkbush. This species is native to Tropical Africa. They are slow-growing tropical evergreen shrubs, branching almost from the base, reaching 8 meters (3.14 feet) in height. The attractive foliage is formed by fleshy leaves of opposite arrangement, obovate or spatulate shape and bright green and / or purple color. The flowers are small, maroon in color and appear in branched inflorescences that are not very decorative. They are used as isolated specimens in tropical and subtropical gardens, in pots for patios, terraces and greenhouses, and as indoor plants. Euphorbia umbellata can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure and in warm frost-free climates. In winter the temperature should not be less than 10 ºC (50 ºF). The soil can be a garden substrate with 25% coarse sand and 15% organic matter. The pot transplant is done in early spring. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry. In winter water sparingly. Fertilize with compost in early spring and with mineral fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. They do not need pruning. They are quite resistant to pests but are sensitive to excessive watering and cold. They propagate by cuttings in spring or by seeds also sown in spring. Protect yourself from the irritating latex of these plants. |
Images of the plant Euphorbia umbellata or African Milk Bush |
 Euphorbia umbellata  Euphorbia umbellata  Euphorbia umbellata  Euphorbia umbellata |