© by R D Stephenson
This is a spiny shrub-like species, from the Muden Valley of Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa . It was described by Alwyn Berger in about 1907.
The plant has a very short main stem from which arise many short, spiny branches. These can have three angles, but usually four-five, with paired spines about 1cm ± coming from the apex of tubercles on a continuous horny margin along the edge of each angle. This margin is usually a white/grey, as are the spines. These often have a dark brown or black tip.
The branches are segmented, which usually represents a year of growth. Some segments are from 2cm to 15cm long, and form a small constriction at the end of the segment. There are often beautiful markings on the branches, in a sort of variegation, sometimes whitish but most often yellow. The branch colour is green of varying shades, which has lead to the introduction of invalid names based purely on colour. There is only one variation of which I am aware and that is a more or less spineless variety, "CV Lyttoniana".
There are flowering "eyes", mid-way between each set of spines, from which yellow inflorescences emerge. The cymes (flowers) come in threes, on a very short peduncle about 2mm long, with the central being a male and the others bi-sexual. The plant, as far as I can tell, requires a male/female for production of seed, otherwise propagation can be made from cuttings. These root down rather slowly, as do many species of Euphorbia, unless bottom heat can be provided. This seems to hurry things along.
The species and its variety can be obtained locally. It does not seem to have too many special requirements for successful cultivation. Light, not necessarily full sun; water, but do not flood the plant, particularly in cooler months; fertilise several times a year and spray with an insecticide at regular intervals. I also use a fungicide a couple of times a year. A good air flow is essential, otherwise the chance of fungal attack is increased. The only negative is that it is slightly cold tender in winter. Apart from that, it is a fairly easy species to grow.
Euphorbia pseudocactus-150mm pot; plant about 12 years old.
References
The Succulent Euphorbiae-White, Dyer & Sloane. Vol 2 Pages 832-839.
The Euphorbia Journal-Strawberry Press-Vol.1 Page 106/Vol 5 Page 144.
© Copyright R D Stephenson 29 July 2004