Euphorbia flanaganii
| Light | Bright light to full sun; tolerates some shade but colours and stays compact in strong light |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate in growth; allow to dry out between waterings, keep nearly dry in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining mineral succulent mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Offsets (branches) and seed |
| Toxicity | Toxic — milky latex is a severe skin, eye and mucous-membrane irritant and is poisonous if ingested; keep away from children and pets |
Euphorbia flanaganii is a small caudiciform succulent from South Africa, instantly recognisable for the crown of many slender, snake-like green branches that radiate outward from a squat central hub — a growth habit that has earned it the common name Medusa's head. Like all members of Euphorbia, it bleeds an irritant milky latex when cut and is only distantly related to the true cacti it superficially resembles.
Description
Euphorbia flanaganii grows from a thick, partly buried central caudex — a fleshy, tuberous stem base — from which dozens of finger-thick, cylindrical branches spread out low over the soil. Each branch is soft green, faintly tuberculate, and tapers toward the tip, giving the whole plant the tangled, writhing look of the mythical Gorgon's snake-hair. Old branches may lengthen and trail while new ones emerge continually from the crown.
Small cyathia (the specialised flower-like structures typical of the genus) appear at the branch tips, usually pale yellow-green and cup-shaped, and can be lightly fragrant. With age and good light a well-grown plant forms a dense, rounded hummock of branches sitting on its swollen base.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the coastal belt of the Eastern Cape and the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, where it grows in coastal grassland and scrub, often in rocky places. In habitat the caudex sits at or below soil level, protecting the plant from drought and grazing while the branches sprawl across the surface. It comes from a summer-rainfall, frost-free climate with warm growing seasons and cooler, drier winters, which is worth keeping in mind when watering in cultivation. It is assessed as Vulnerable on the Red List of South African plants, largely because of habitat loss and harvesting of wild plants.
Cultivation
Medusa's head is one of the easier caudiciform euphorbias and a good introduction to the group. Grow it in a very free-draining, mostly mineral mix in a wide, shallow pot that gives the branches room to spread. Give it bright light or gentle sun; too little light makes the branches stretch, thin and pale. Water moderately while it is in active growth and let the mix dry between waterings, then keep it nearly dry through the cool months to prevent rot in the caudex.
Take care whenever you cut, break or repot the plant: the copious white latex is a serious irritant to skin and especially the eyes, and is toxic if swallowed. Wear gloves, keep it away from your face, and wash off any sap promptly. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
The simplest method is to detach one of the radiating branches and use it as a cutting. Let the cut end callus for several days to stop the flow of latex, then set it in a gritty, barely moist mix until it roots; see Propagation — cuttings and Propagation — offsets. The species also comes readily from seed when it is available — sow on a warm mineral surface as described in Propagation — seed. As always, wear gloves and protect your eyes when cutting.
Common problems
- Rot — the caudex and branch bases soften and discolour, almost always from overwatering or a mix that holds too much moisture, particularly in winter.
- Etiolation — in weak light the branches grow long, thin and floppy instead of forming a tight snaky mound.
- Pests — mealybugs hide among the crowded branches and around the caudex, and root mealybugs can infest the tuber; watch also for spider mites in hot, dry conditions. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Euphorbia — the genus overview
- Propagation — cuttings · Propagation — offsets · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Pests and diseases