Xeriscape Landscape Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Succulents

Candelilla, Euphorbia antisyphilitica

Candelilla, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, Arrowhead Ranch, March 10, 2006.

Candelilla, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, Arrowhead Ranch, March 10, 2006.

Candelilla, Euphorbia antisyphilitica	Candelilla, Euphorbia antisyphilitica

Candelilla Euphorbia antisyphilitica, Spurge Family ( Euphorbiaceae ), Candelilla. Candelilla has clusters of thin, upright, pencil-like stems. It is considered to be an evergreen shrub which grows to 3 feet tall, with a spread of about 4 feet. The flowers are small, pinkish in the center, becoming cream color farther out. Candelilla flowers occur in clusters on the stems. Candelilla stems are covered with a very high quality wax that, when extracted by boiling, has been used for candles, soap, ointments, floor polish and waterproofing, among other uses. They are harvested in Mexico for the wax. It takes little water. It is frost sensitive. The sap may be irritating. Candelilla means "little candle", referring to the appearance of it's stems; the species name comes from the common folk lore that the plant is effective for the treatment of venereal disease. Can take full sun in Phoenix or Tucson but appreciates afternoon shade. Height: Up to 3 feet tall. Spreads about 4 feet. Flowers: Its flowers, are small, pinkish in the center, becoming cream color farther out. Blooming Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid February. Leaves: The leaves are small and they drop so early in the year that they are rarely seen. Found: Native to the Chihauhaun Desert in Big Bend, with a few populations in the Rio Grande Plains, and South into Mexico. Elevation: 0 - 2,500 Feet. In Arizona. Habitat: It grows well in sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. It is tolerant of alkali. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Photos Taken; Arrowhead Ranch, March 10, 2006.