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Chains of flowers Euphorbia lupulina from Brazil E.lupulina is barely known
and only rarely cultivated, like all Euphorbias from the American continent. But
it is an extraordinary and interesting plant with its chains of flowers,
which is most enjoyable with little care. |
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The chains are formed by a
bud for a new cyathium forming next to the old one, whereas the cyathophylls
overlap each other. Chains of up to 15 cyathia are possible. Flowering time
is approximately from April to November, whereas a short break is taken in
August. The cyathia are bisexual,
self fertile and also self-pollinating. So seeds develop without any hassles. The seed germinates easy and
fast (within 2 to 10 days) and raising the seedlings causes no problems. Because of the larger leaves, E.lupulina should be
kept damper than comparable succulents. Also during winter they should not be
kept completely dry. But a light
dampening of the soil every week or two will be sufficient. Like almost all
euphorbias they should be kept warm (min. 12°C) in winter. During the winter rest the plant is losing
all its leaves and looks rather bizarre with its protruding branches. Propagation by cuttings is possible, but does not
make much sense. Whoever has E.lupulina in his collection will certainly
discover a seedling in a neighbouring pot. |
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Similar species with the
same cultivation requirements are: - E. lagunillarum: less branched, with shorter flower chains - E. heterodoxa: with more heavily angled stems, smaller
leaves, only 1 to 2 cyathia (these two species are extremely
rare in cultivation) Sources for E. lupulina are: US: Aridlands US: Bob Smoley |
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