Back
Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata Variegata'
| Family Name: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Common Name: | Variegated Elkhorn, Variegated Candelabra Plant, Variegated Frilled Fan, Alabaster Swirl, Variegated Crested Euphorbia |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
|---|---|
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent with a crested growth form. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The spines are modified leaves. The thick, straight spines are paired together like a bull's horns and are mostly located along the ridge of the crest. |
| Stems | Stem is composed of a continuous series of fan-shaped branches that tightly wind back and forth in an alternating, undulating pattern. |
| Cultivation | This cultivar grows slowly on its own roots, so it's typically grafted on a Euphorbia species. Allow the soil to become dry to touch before re-watering thoroughly. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Stems |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Focal Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch, Irritant - Sap |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Slow |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought, Well-Drained Soils, Poor Infertile Soils, Shallow Media (8 -10cm) |
| Planting Remarks | This species is often grafted onto Euphorbia canariensis or Euphorbia resinifera, because it doesn't grow well on its own. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliar Modification | Spine (axillary) |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Aboveground |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29141 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3450 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
