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Euphorbia milii v. breonii (L Nois) Ursch
et Leandri
Location: tropical Madagascar.
A variation of E. milii (the popular 'Crown of Thorns') but larger in
all its parts. The thin leaves are up to 15 cm long and 2-3 cm across
and are often slightly wavy. Thicker stems and bigger thorns are characteristic
of this form. The plants branch, ultimately forming a large shrub up
to 1.5 m.
As the plant grows, lower leaves and flowers are shed, leaving bare
thorny stems.
The main flowering period is late Spring to early Autumn when the brilliant
red, 3 cm, somewhat sticky flowers (cyathophylls) make a colourful show.
In winter the remaining leaves and flowers drop and the plant becomes
dormant.
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Cultivation:
Requires warm conditions all the year round ideally 10ºC, will tolerate
5/7ºC if kept dry. Full light or semi-shade is OK. However, if grown
in tropical hothouse conditions wqith good light all the year round,
it could flower continuously.
Can be grown outdoors in a sheltered spot during the summer. Re pot
every 1/2 years using a rich compost with slow and fast release fertiliser.
Propagation:
From cuttings in Summer but not easy due to cut stems bleeding. TIP:
use offsets from the base with rootlets. Always spray bleeding surfaces
with water after cutting to coagulate the sap.
WARNING: All Euphorbia sap is more or less poisonous take appropriate
care.
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