Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’
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Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ is a very striking succulent shrub. A native of subtropical Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula and India, it grows more slowly and densely than E. tirucalli. Multiple fire-red stems, resembling small pencils or sticks, grow from the base of the plant. The red stems often show shades of pink, orange or yellow, and the color is more vivid during the cooler months and when grown in bright sun. Where climate allows, this cultivar of Euphorbia tirucalli makes a very colorful landscape plant. Needs well draining soil. ‘Sticks on Fire’ is also an excellent container plant, and it does not mind being pot-bound.
Inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers are borne in summer. Small leaves grow at the branch tips during wetter periods and are shed in dry periods.
‘Sticks on Fire’ is highly salt tolerant and can be grown near the ocean.
Euphorbia tirucalli has been used in traditional medicine in many cultures for diseases ranging from tumors and warts to asthma, cough, earache, neuralgia and rheumatism, Modern chemical research reveals the plant does not help or worsens many of these conditions. Its sap is also used as a fish poison in Africa. Note that the sap, however, is somewhat caustic and the plant is best located away from pedestrian areas where the branches can be easily broken. The sap can cause temporary blindness if it contacts the eyes.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Tithymalus tirucalli, Tirucalia indica, Euphorbia viminalis, Euphorbia geayi, Euphorbia. laro, Euphorbia media, Euphorbia. rhipsalioides, Euphorbia scoparia, Euphorbia suareziana, Euphorbia gymnoclada, Euphorbia. entheurodoxa, Arthrothamnus tirucalli
Common Names: Red Pencil Tree, Red Pencil Cactus, Aveloz, Firestick Plants, Indian Tree Spurge, Naked Lady, Pencil Tree, Sticks on Fire, Milk Bush, Milkhedge, Petroleum-plant
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Origin: E. tirucalli is endemic to Subtropical Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula and India. This colorful cultivar was collected in South Africa.
Height: 4-8′
Width: 3-5′
Cold Tolerance: 30° to 35°F; -1.1° to 1.7°C,
Heat Tolerance: Very heat tolerant
Light Requirement: Full sun
Water needs: Very drought tolerant once established
Maintenance: None
Uses: Euphorbia tirucalli is an excellent container plant. It does not mind being pot-bound. Where climate allows, it makes a very colorful landscape plant. Needs well draining soil. Note that the sap is somewhat caustic and the plant is best located away from pedestrian areas where the branches can be easily broken. The sap can cause temporary blindness if it contacts the eyes.
Propagation: Cuttings allowed to callus over root easily.
Problems: None
Research Links:
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=622
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/58092/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_tirucalli
http://www.rain-tree.com/aveloz.htm#.VC8AybGYfyU
Shipping & Availability
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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