Euphorbia ammak

Not to be confused with cacti, Euphorbias may look like cacti because of their "spines". Some Euphorbias have formations known as "peduncles", which are dried remnants from flowering stalks, and tend to give the plant an extra-terrestrial appearance.These spines are actually what are left over from from the flowers. While Euphorbias do not have the "areole" (a felty area from which the spines arise on cacti), they do have an analogous area that is a hard, horned ellipse along the angle of the stem known as a "spine shield". Interestingly, the spine shield is the origin of the spines and flowers for the Euphorbia, just as the areole performs the same function for the cacti. Euphorbias do not have the organ to create a spine. Also, Euphorbias originated in Africa , where true cacti do not exist.

Spine Shield

These plants can take a wide range of light, from light to shade, to full sun outdoors, to good indoor light. They have a resting period in winter and require less water and no fertilizer at that time. Euphorbias love warmth and are frost tender. Euphorbias can be propagated by cuttings taken in early summer. Let the cuttings dry for a few days up to several weeks, and plant them up to make new plants.

When working with Euphorbias, always be careful not to let their milky sap touch your skin or eyes as it is a harsh irritant!