Euphorbia dendroides - tree spurge (Square vase 7x7x10 cm)

Very diverse genus of about 2000 species of annuals, biennials, evergreen, semi-persistent or herbaceous perennials, suffrutics, deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees, succulents, widely present in a variety of habitats in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions. Euphorbia dendroides is a deciduous shrub, a classic essence of the Mediterranean scrub. It thrives in arid coastal environments, especially limestone on cliffs or cliffs near the sea. It appears in the form of bushes, with dichotomous stems and branches, up to 2-3 m high. In the winter and spring it forms real green spherical cushions. In the summer period it loses its leaves and appears in the form of bare shrubs that resemble corals. If the branches are torn, they secrete a white latex that irritates when in contact with the skin. The leaves are alternate, spaced, oblong-lanceolate, of a glaucous-green to reddish colour, up to 7 cm long, and are arranged in the upper part of the branches where they remain from the first autumn rains until the beginning of summer, the period in which turn red and therefore fall. In spring it produces numerous golden yellow flowers, collected in apical umbel inflorescences which give it a very attractive appearance.

Pedoclimatic needs

It adapts to any type of soil, even stony, as long as it is well drained and should be planted in full sun. This species is particularly resistant to wind, dry weather and salt and is therefore suitable for adorning coastal gardens without water. Not very rustic species, it cannot tolerate long and intense frosts, it can resist minimum temperatures between -2°/-4°C for short periods.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Euphorbia dendroides

Family: Euphorbiaceae