Description
Euphorbia elastica (also called Rubber Spurge, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to South Africa. It grows up to 1 m tall, with a single stem and a rosette of lanceolate leaves. It is found in grasslands, woodlands, and rocky outcrops.
Uses & Benefits
Euphorbia elastica is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It has a low-growing, spreading habit and produces small, yellow-green flowers in the summer. It is also used as a hedge plant and as a ground cover.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Euphorbia elastica is a small, yellowish-green inflorescence, with a single female flower in the center and several male flowers around it. The seed is a three-lobed capsule, containing small, black, angular seeds. The seedlings are small, with two cotyledons and a single, short stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Euphorbia elastica is a succulent shrub that grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. It has thick, fleshy stems with small, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are green to gray-green in color and have a waxy coating. The plant produces small yellow flowers in the summer. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, sandy soil. Propagate by seed or stem cuttings.