Poinsettia group

Press, 22 February 1980, Page 8

Poinsettia group

The Euphorbias are an interesting and widely distributed genus of 2000 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, perennials, deciduous and evergreen shrubs, many of which are succulents. Among the better known members of the genus is the hardy ornamental E. wulfenii, the fairly common weed E. pepliis which is generally referred to as milkweed or spurge, and the ever-popu-lar pot plant of more temperate regions, E. pulcherrima, familiarly known to everyone as poinsettia. Euphorbia splendens, now known as E. milii, is somewhat different from any of the above mentioned species for it is a succulent — semi-prost-rate and spiny — often grown as a pot plant but capable of withstanding open conditions given a reasonably sheltered and warm position. This plant, native of Madagascar, is commonly

called Crown of Thorns, a name of interesting origin. It arose because of the myth relating that Christ's crown was fashioned from its branches. It makes a conspicuous plant because of its distinct habit of growth and eye-catching floral display which may occur at any time but is most abundant during the winter. Long pliable stems radiate from the centre of the plant and these are covered by sharply' pointed spines. The inflorescence, 50 to 75mm wide, are branching cymes borne on long stalks from the upper parts of the stem. The flowers are really inconspicuous and it is the small kidney-shaped crimson bracts touched with gold in the centre which attract immediate attention. These colourful bracts occur in pairs on the tops of the brownish stems which occasionally also support dull green leaves

as well as the ever present thorns. The modified over-all structure of the plant enables it to escape or endure recurrent drought in its natural habitat, which classes it as a xerophyte. Tn similarity to other species of the genus, the stems of E. milii yield a milky white sap or latex which is not only poisonous but can cause considerable irritation to sensitive skins, and also if it enters wounds or cuts. Crown of Thorns is not fastidious in its requirements. An average well • drained soil, a warm, welllit sunny position and a preference for rather drier conditions than those generally preferred by most other house plants particularly during the winter months, is all that is necessary.

As the stems are so pliable it is possible to train it to conform to various shapes by means of wires or light canes.