Euphorbia tetragona
| Euphorbia tetragona | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 33' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Euphorbia tetragona (common name: naboom)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a shaded position in a greenhouse[1]. 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.
Cultivation: Prefers a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position[1]. Succeeds in dry soils[2].
According to [1] this species is hardy to climatic zone 7 (tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c). This statement must be viewed with some scepticism, the plant is unlikely to be at all frost-tolerant.
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[1]. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules[1].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or 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: S. Africa - Cape Province
Edibility: The flowers are rich in nectar and this is sometimes used in confectionery[5].
Medicinal: One report says that this species also supplies the drug, though it fails to say what the drug is or its medicinal actions[6].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
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
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.