Euphorbia antisyphilitica
| Euphorbia antisyphilitica | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 3' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Euphorbia antisyphilitica (common name: candelilla)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings can be taken throughout the growing season. Leave them to dry and callus for 2 weeks before potting them up[1].
Cultivation: Prefers a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position[2]. Requires ample water in the growing season but very dry conditions in the winter[1].
We are not sure if his plant can be grown outdoors in Britain[K], one report says that this plant is hardy to zone 8 (which experiences temperatures down to -5°c)[2]. Another report says that minimum winter temperatures of 8 - 10°c are ample for the plant to survive[1].
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[2]. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules[2].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer and rabbits[3].
This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out[4].
Range: Southern N. America - Texas to Mexico.
Habitat: Deserts.
Edibility: A wax from the plant can be used to make chewing gum[5][6].
Usage: A wax is obtained from the whole plant and is used as a polish, water proofer, for making records, lighting etc[7][5][8][6]. The wax exudes from the plant pores and forms a thin skin on the stems. Most is produced in the winter and it is extracted by boiling up the plant[9].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Monoecious
Known Hazards: The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material[200
Also Known As: E. cerifera.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Carruthers, S. Alternative Enterprises for Agriculture in the UK. Centre for Agricultural Strategy, Univ. of Reading, 1986.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ Schery. Robert. Plants for Man. Prentice Hall, 1972.
- ↑ Hill, Albert. Economic Botany. The Maple Press, 1952.