Indian Spurge Tree

• Common Name: Indian Spurge Tree
  
• Scientific Name: Euphorbia neriifolia
  
• Family Name: Euphorbiaceae
  
• Origin: Iran to South China
  
• Height: Up to 20 ft
  
• Width: Variable
  
• Growth: Fast
  
• Zone: USDA zones 9B through 11
  
• Light needs: Full sun to part shade
  
• Salt tolerance: Moderate - tolerates some salt spray
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Requires very well-draining soil. Not picky about soil pH.
  
• Moisture: Needs little to no supplemental water once established. Sensitive to overwatering.
  
• Drought tolerance: High
  
• Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to root rot when overwatered.
  
• Growing conditions: Grow this plant in a warm, dry, elevated area which is not prone to flooding. It requires little care or watering once established, except during the summer, when weekly watering may be needed if the soil becomes very dry. It is very cold sensitive and may start wilting at temperatures below 60°F.
  
• Characteristics: This plant has several thick, green, branching stems. The plant contains a thick latex  sap which flows out when stems and branches are broken. Leaves are thick, obovate, and closely alternately arranged, spiraling around the stem. Each leaf is accompanied by a thorn which grows directly underneath it. When the leaf falls off, the thorn remains, resulting in armed stems and branches. Tiny red flowers with yellow centers emerge in clusters at the tips of stems. Fruits are dry capsules.
  
• Propagation: By cuttings
  
• Facts: All members of the Euphorbiaceae family have a thick, irritating white sap. Other plants in the family include stinging nettle and croton.
  
• Designer considerations: It is an excellent small tree or shrub and also fits well in succulent gardens. Surround it with a border of unarmed plants to protect wandering people and pets from the spines.
  

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Indian Spurge Tree

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