Xeriscape Landscape Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Planting Information,
Succulents

Officinal Spurge, Euphorbia resinifera

Officinal Spurge, Euphorbia resinifera, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, September 29, 2006.

Officinal Spurge, Euphorbia resinifera	Officinal Spurge, Euphorbia resinifera

Officinal Spurge Euphorbia resinifera, Spurge Family ( Euphorbiaceae ), Officinal Spurge. Also called Resin Spurge, Morroco Mound. Euphorbia resinifera is a rapidly clumping columnar shrub with unique, four-sided almost square stems (erect, quadrangular) and brown thorns. It will mound, branch and spread. It has a light green to blue color. Native to Morocco. This euphorb is one of the oldest documented medicinal plants. Euphorbium, used for drastic, purgative and emetic properties was extracted from it. According to Pliny the Elder, it got its name from Euphorbus, the Greek physician of Juba II, king of Mauritania. It uses moderate water during the summer months, less water in the winter. Hardy to 20° F. Can take full sun in Phoenix or Tucson but appreciates some afternoon shade. Height: Up to 3 feet tall. Spreads about 4 feet. Flowers: Its flowers, are small, yellow. Blooming Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid January to March. Leaves: The leaves are small and they drop so early in the year that they are rarely seen. Found: Native to Morocco. 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; Sonora Desert Museum, September 29, 2006.