Euphorbia submammillaris Berger

Description

In nature this splendid dwarf plant forms cushions up to 50 cm wide, made up of hundreds of small, dark green stems that proliferate continuously. Each stem, 1-2 cm wide and 8-10 cm long, has 7-8 ribs and, towards the tip, bears greyish spines 1-2 cm long. The leaves, present during the growing phase, are very small and deciduous. The flowers, small cyathia borne on a peduncle, are rather insignificant and rarely appear in cultivation. This plant is easily found at nurseries, although, seeing two or three little stems in a small pot, it is very hard to imagine what a marvel it can become after a few years, as the photograph in this entry shows.

Cultivation

a good, well-drained potting soil made up of equal parts of garden soil and coarse material (lava, pumice, expanded clay) is essential. Generous watering from late spring until autumn. Dry winter rest in a cool place: under these conditions the plant can withstand even temperatures close to zero without suffering. The choice of pot must take account of the plant's growth, so wide bowls will show off these splendid plant cushions to advantage.

Propagation

mainly by stem cuttings.