Is Obesa Euphorbia rare?
In the wild it is endangered because of over-collection and poaching, combined with its slow growth, and the fact that the pod contains only 2 to 3 seeds. However, it is widely cultivated in botanical gardens….
| Euphorbia obesa | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. obesa |
| Binomial name |
Why is Euphorbia Obesa unique?
While it shares many characteristics with a cactus, it’s an entirely different succulent species of plant. The ‘Obesa ‘ is a fascinating euphorbia. The globular shape and the lines running along the exterior make it look like the plant was stitched together into a ball.
How big does Euphorbia Obesa grow?
Euphorbia obesa species are semi-dwarf plants that can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in height. Depending on their age, these plants grow between 2 and 6 inches (6-15 cm) in diameter. When they are young, Baseball plants stay in perfect spherical shape.
How do you root Obesa Euphorbia?
Euphorbia obesa is easily propagated from seed sown during spring or summer. Sow in a sandy to gravel-rich, well drained potting soil in a sunny warm position and in a standard seed tray. Cover seed with a thin layer of sand (1-2 mm) and keep moist. Germination occurs within 3 weeks.
What is the common name of Euphorbia obesa?
baseball plant
One of the true oddities in the genus is Euphorbia obesa, which bears the common name “baseball plant”. Euphorbia obesa is native to South Africa, where it grows in the arid south-central part of the country. The average annual rainfall in its home is about 14 inches (350 mm), with a peak in late summer to early fall.
Which is generally known as Euphorbia obesa?
Euphorbia Obesa or Baseball Plant It is commonly known as Euphorbia obesa, native to South Africa. The plant has exactly the same size as a baseball. It is a branchless plant with an average height of 20 cm. Although Euphorbia obesa is endangered at its native habitat, it has become very common in farming.
How often should you water Euphorbia obesa?
It is used to only 12 inches (30.5 cm.) of rain per year, so a good deep watering once every few months in winter and once per month in the growing season is more than sufficient.
How often should you water Euphorbia Obesa?
What is the common name of Euphorbia Obesa?
How can you tell if an Obesa is euphorbia or a female?
In the case of E. obesa, there are separate male and female plants. In male plants, there are several tiny pollen-bearing flowers within the cyathia, while in female plants there is only one flower per cyathium. If successfully pollinated, the female flower enlarges into a round capsule up to .
Why is Euphorbia obesa so rare?
Over-collecting by collectors and plant exporters almost resulted in the plant becoming extinct in the wild. Today it is protected by national (Nature Conservation) and international (CITES) legislation. Although Euphorbia obesa is still rare in its habitat it is well established in cultivation.
Where does euphorbia grow in South Africa?
This species is native to South Africa, mainly found in Great Karoo, south of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape. Euphorbia obesa is a small succulent with a ball-shaped, usually solitary stem that becomes cylindrical with age. The stem is grey-green marked with horizontal red-brown or purple bands.
How do you care for Euphorbia obesa?
Soil: Euphorbia s require well-drained soil. They even thrive in poor, dry soils. Use a commercial mixture formulated for cacti and succulents or make your own potting mix. Hardiness: Euphorbia obesa can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Is Euphorbia a succulent?
The genus Euphorbia was established by Linnaeus in 1753 and commemorates Euphorbus, the 1st century physician to King Juba II of Mauritania, who is thought to have used plants, such as euphorbias, as medicine. It is a large genus and consists of about 2000 species. Not all are succulent.