Euphorbia geroldii

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Euphorbia geroldii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species:
E. geroldii
Binomial name
Euphorbia geroldii

Euphorbia geroldii commonly called Gerold's Spurge or Thornless Crown of Thorns[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae.

Flowers

It is a succulent that grows as a richly branched, xerophytic shrub up to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall, with cylindrical, woody branches that reach a diameter of 2 cm (0.8 in) at the base. The smooth, glossy, lanceolate leaves are arranged in loose spirals on the shoots and grow up to 8 cm (3.1 in) long and 3 cm (1.2 in) wide. They are glossy dark green with a red margin and are nearly sessile. The stipules, 1 to 2 mm (0.04 to 0.08 in) long, are toothed.[3]

The plant resembles the Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii), but it has broader leaves, lacks thorns, and prefers shadier conditions.[4]

The nearly terminal and simple, saucer-shaped cymes are borne on 3 cm (1.2 in) long stalks. The spreading and rounded cyathophylls grow up to 2.5 cm (0.98 in) long and 2.8 cm (1.1 in) wide. They overlap at the base and are bright red. The cyathia are 2 mm (0.079 in) in size, and the elliptical nectar glands are yellow.[3]

Male flowers are few, with fimbriate bracteoles. Filaments are short and thick; anthers globose and pale. The ovary is subsessile, with styles partly connate and spreading at the bifid, green apex; stigmas are globular. With suitable conditions, the plant delivers a continuous display of vivid, glowing red flowers year-round. The bluntly lobed fruit is 3 mm (0.12 in) long and yellowish.[3]

Distribution

Cultivation

References

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