Euphorbia meloformis
| Light | Bright light to a few hours of direct sun; light shade in the fiercest afternoon heat |
|---|---|
| Water | Sparingly in growth; keep dry through winter and let the mix dry fully between waterings |
| Soil | Very free-draining mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; roughly USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Seed; offsets from clustering plants |
| Toxicity | Toxic — the milky latex is a skin, eye and mucous-membrane irritant |
Euphorbia meloformis is a small, globular, greyish-green succulent from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, prized by collectors for its neat melon-like body ribbed with subtle bands of colour. Old flower stalks harden and persist on the ribs as dry, spine-like peduncles, giving mature plants a bristly crown that helps distinguish the species from its many look-alikes. Like all members of the genus, it exudes a milky latex when cut, so it should be handled with care.
Description
Euphorbia meloformis forms a solitary or slowly clustering, more-or-less spherical body typically 5–10 cm across, sometimes becoming shortly cylindrical with age. The surface is divided into (usually) eight to twelve broad, low ribs and is a soft grey-green, often overlaid with faint horizontal bands or chevrons of darker green, purplish or reddish tones — a mottled patterning that gives the species much of its appeal.
The plant is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female, so seed is only set when plants of both sexes flower together. Small cyathia (the specialised euphorbia "flowers") appear at the crown on short stalks. Once these have finished, the dried peduncles are retained and stiffen into persistent, spine-like projections clustered over the top of the body. True spines are absent — this bristly effect comes entirely from old flower stalks, a useful field mark.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where it grows in dry scrub and grassland, often nestled among rocks and low vegetation. In habitat the body sits low, partly withdrawn into the soil, where surrounding grasses and stones offer some shelter from sun and grazing. Conditions are seasonally dry, with the plant enduring long rainless periods by drawing down on its swollen water-storing body.
Like the entire genus, Euphorbia is listed under CITES Appendix II, so international trade is regulated; nursery-raised plants, however, are widely available and legal to own and trade.
Cultivation
Euphorbia meloformis is an undemanding and rewarding plant for anyone who respects its need to stay dry. Grow it in a very free-draining, mostly mineral mix in a snug pot, in bright light with a few hours of sun; too little light causes the tidy globe to swell and lose its banding, while scorching afternoon sun can mark the skin. Water thoroughly only once the mix has dried out, and reduce watering sharply as temperatures fall — the plant should be kept dry and above freezing through winter, as cold wet roots quickly rot.
The most common cause of loss is overwatering, so err on the side of neglect. See Watering and Repotting for general technique. When handling or cutting the plant, protect skin and eyes from the irritant latex (see Common problems below).
Propagation
Seed is the primary method, but because the species is dioecious you need both a male and a female plant in flower at the same time to obtain viable seed; hand-pollination between two plants is often necessary in cultivation. Fresh seed germinates readily on a warm, gritty surface kept lightly moist — see Propagation - seed.
Clustering forms produce offsets that can be removed and rooted. Allow any cut surface to dry and callus first, and be aware that severed offsets and the parent both bleed copious white latex; see Propagation - offsets and Propagation - cuttings for method.
Common problems
- Rot — almost always from overwatering, a slow-draining mix or cold wet winters; the body softens and discolours, often from the base.
- Etiolation — too little light makes the globe swell, elongate and lose its characteristic banding and symmetry.
- Latex irritation — the milky sap is a potent irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Wear gloves, avoid touching your face, and keep the plant away from children and pets. Rinse any contact with plenty of water and seek medical advice for eye exposure.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff at the crown and roots) and, in dry stale air, spider mites are the usual offenders. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Euphorbia — the genus overview
- Euphorbia obesa — a closely related, similarly globular South African species
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Propagation - seed · Propagation - offsets