200+ Types of Euphorbia Plants [With Pictures]
Last Updated on July 6, 2023
There are over 200 types of Euphorbia plants, which come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Many Euphorbias are succulents, and they are often used as ornamental plants. Some common species include the pencil cactus, African milk tree, and crown of thorns.
Euphorbia is a large genus of flowering plants that includes annuals, biennials, perennials, shrubs, succulents, and trees. The majority of species are native to Africa and Madagascar, with a few found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. These plants are characterized by their unique flowers that have no petals or sepals; instead they have tiny structures called cyathia surrounded by colorful bracts.
Euphorbia is a very large and diverse plant genus that contains over 2,000 species. Euphorbias are native to all continents except Antarctica and can be found in almost every type of habitat. Many euphorbias are succulent plants, but there are also non-succulent varieties.
Euphorbias come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Some are small annual herbs, while others are large trees. The smallest member of the genus is probably Euphorbia obesa, which only grows to about 3 cm (1 inch) tall.
The largest member is probably Euphorbia ingens, which can grow up to 30 m (100 feet) tall!
The vast majority of euphorbias have green leaves, but there are also some with blue, purple, red, or even yellow leaves. The flowers of most euphorbias are small and inconspicuous, but a few species have showy blooms.
Euphorbia is a very interesting plant genus with a lot of variety to offer gardeners of all levels of experience. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance succulent for your windowsill or a towering tree for your landscape, there’s sure to be a Euphorbia species that’s just right for you!
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How Many Varieties of Euphorbia are There?
There are over 2,000 varieties of Euphorbia. The most common type is the spurge, which has about 1,200 species. Other popular types include the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), the crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) and the African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona).
How Do You Identify a Euphorbia Species?
There are over 2,000 species of Euphorbia, so correctly identifying one can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you out:
1. Look at the plant’s overall shape and size.
This can be helpful in narrowing down the options.
2. Examine the leaves closely. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes depending on the species.
3. Take note of the plant’s flower type and color. Again, there is a lot of variation among Euphorbia species.
4. Check for any unique features that might help you identify the plant, such as unusual leaf shapes or colors, spines on the stems, etc.
What is the Biggest Euphorbia?
The biggest Euphorbia is the African tree Euphorbia abyssinica. It can grow up to 30 metres (100 feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of 1 metre (3.3 feet). The tree has a spreading crown of thick, fleshy branches and small leaves.
It produces yellowish-green flowers in clusters, followed by round, green fruits.
What is the Best Euphorbia?
The genus Euphorbia, part of the family Euphorbiaceae, contains over 2,000 species of flowering plants. Many of these are succulents, and many produce a sap that is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested. With so many species to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best.
Euphorbia tirucalli, also known as Indian tree spurge or pencil cactus, is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping in warm climates. It is a fast-growing succulent that can reach up to 15 feet in height. The stems are thin and pencil-like, hence its common name.
Indian tree spurge is drought tolerant and does not require much care once established.
Euphorbia milii, also known as crown of thorns or Christ plant, is another popular choice for gardens and landscaping. It originates from Madagascar and produces beautiful red flowers year-round in warm climates.
Crown of thorns is a low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of neglect and poor soil conditions. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and other pests if not kept under control.
So which euphorbia is the best?
That really depends on your personal preferences and gardening needs. Both Indian tree spurge and crown of thorns are attractive plants that are easy to care for in warm climates.
Euphorbia Neorubellum care and propagation
Best Euphorbia Varieties
Euphorbia is a huge genus of plants that includes everything from tiny annuals to massive succulents. Many euphorbias are prized for their unique and interesting flowers, while others are grown for their unusual foliage. Here are some of the best varieties of euphorbia to grow in your garden:
Euphorbia characias – This evergreen shrub has bright green leaves and yellow-green flowers. It grows up to 3 feet tall and wide, making it a good choice for border plantings.
Euphorbia x martini – This hybrid plant has blue-green leaves and small, white flowers.
It reaches a height of 2-3 feet and makes an excellent groundcover or edging plant.
Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ – This variety of Euphorbia griffithii has deep red leaves with chartreuse margins. The clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers appear in late summer.
‘Fireglow’ grows 3-4 feet tall and wide.
Euphorbia myrsinites – Also known as donkey tail spurge, this plant gets its name from its long, trailing stems that are covered in blue-grey leaves. Small, yellow flowers appear in springtime.
Euphorbia myrsinites is an excellent choice for hanging baskets or spilling over rock walls.
Spurge Varieties
There are many different types of spurges, all with their own unique characteristics. Here is a look at some of the most popular varieties:
Euphorbia amygdaloides, or wood spurge, is a low-growing plant that produces small yellow flowers.
It is native to Europe and Asia and prefers shady, moist conditions.
Euphorbia lathyris, or caper spurge, is a tall plant that can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has small flowers that are either white or yellow in color.
This species is native to southern Europe and North Africa and prefers dry, sunny conditions.
Euphorbia myrsinites, or Mediterranean spurge, is a low-growing plant that produces small white flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region and prefers dry, sunny conditions.
Euphorbia palustris, or marsh spurge, is a tall plant that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has small flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. This species is native to northern Europe and prefers wetter conditions than other spurges.
Does Euphorbia Spread
Euphorbia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Euphorbiaceae. The most common species is Euphorbia pulcherrima, which is native to Mexico and Central America. Other well-known species include Euphorbia lathyris (caper spurge) and Euphorbia amygdaloides (wood spurge).
Euphorbias are known for their distinctive flowers, which are actually modified leaves called bracts. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, but the bracts can be very showy. They come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and yellow.
Some euphorbias are annuals or biennials, while others are perennial shrubs or trees. Many species are drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soils. However, they can also be quite aggressive when grown in ideal conditions.
Euphorbias spread by seed or vegetatively by root suckers or stem cuttings. Some species self-seed readily and can become invasive if not kept in check.
Euphorbia Perennial
Euphorbia is a very large and varied genus of flowering plants, with over 2,000 species. Many Euphorbias are succulent plants, and some are even cactus-like in appearance. Some of the more well-known species include poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and crown-of-thorns (Euphorbia milii).
Euphorbias are native to many different parts of the world, including Africa, Madagascar, South America, and North America. They typically grow in dry or semi-dry habitats. Many Euphorbias have showy flowers that are borne on leafless stems.
The flowers may be white, yellow, pink, purple, or red in color.
The vast majority of Euphorbias are not commonly cultivated as ornamental plants. However, some species – such as poinsettias and crown-of-thorns – are widely grown for their colorful flowers.
These plants can be somewhat difficult to care for due to their need for bright light and well-drained soil.
Conclusion
Euphorbia plants are a huge family of flowering plants that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. There are over 200 different species of Euphorbia, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your garden.
These plants are easy to care for and don’t require much water or maintenance.
They can tolerate full sun or partial shade, making them versatile additions to any landscape.
Euphorbias produce small flowers that are typically green, white, or yellow in color. However, some varieties have brightly colored flowers that add a splash of color to the garden.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that will add interest to your landscape, consider adding a Euphorbia to your garden!