Euphorbia viguieri

Appearance

Euphorbis viguieri grows in a single column form covered with medium-sized thorns that are thick at the base and get finer toward the end. They are white and sometimes serrated, making this one of the most dangerous-looking Euphorbias. The column is broader toward the top and may spiral slightly as it grows. The body is five to six sided and may have leaf scars from previous seasons' foliage. It can grow nearly 3 feet tall.

The tubular flowers are spectacular sunset colors in hues of orange, yellow and scarlet. Blooms are produced after a rainy period and are small flowers, measuring less than 1 inch. The flowers do not last long but do attract several pollinating insects with their sweet nectar. Euphorbia viguieri doesn't produce branches, so the flowers spring right from the body of the plant. The flowers open when the heat of the day is over or first thing in the morning and then close when the sun is at its peak.

Euphorbia viguieri goes dormant in the winter and loses its leaves. It will produce a new set in late spring and flower in summer. Many Euphorbia species only have spines and no leaves, but E. viguieri produces both. The leaves are lightly veined and simple, oval in shape and a lighter green than the body. The leaves can grow from 1 to 7 inches long. Extreme drought will also cause the plant to lose its leaves as a protective measure to prevent moisture loss.

Habitat

Euphorbia viguieri grows in brightly lit locations with well-drained soil. It thrives in nutrient-poor areas and is one of the few Euphorbia that may be found in mountainous regions where it tolerates excesses of water. It is also found in scrubland and open woodlands in western to southern Madagascar. The plant does best in an unglazed clay container as a house plant or can be part of the xeriscape garden. There are three subspecies of the plant, each with a slightly different habitat.