Euphorbia tuberosa
Scientific name
Euphorbia tuberosa is a spineless, deciduous, dwarf succulent geophyte (bulbous plant), up to 50 mm tall, with a tuberous underground stem that re-sprouts after fire. A cluster of wavy grey-green leaves are produced at ground level, forming a rosette and are up to 50 mm long and 10 mm wide.The best time to divide the tubers of melkbol is in summer (December, January and February) in the southern hemisphere, when it is warm, taking care to keep the plants dry. Dust the severed area with sulphur to prevent possible infection and allow to heal (callus) in a cool, dry area, for a week.
Place the cuttings in coarse river sand, in a well-drained container, in a sunny spot, which must be kept fairly dry, until the roots start to appear. Once this has happened, water the cuttings once a day during very hot weather. Rooting of cuttings should take place in 2 weeks to a month.
Conservation status: Least Concern
This species was selected because it has various important characteristics.
Drought-resistant
Good potplant
Easy to grow
Suitable for sandy soil
It provides food for:
Honeybees/flies
Euphorbia tuberosa is indigenous to: Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Peninsula Shale Renosterveld
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