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Euphorbia antiquorum L.
Family Name: | Euphorbiaceae |
Synonyms: | Euphorbia cactus, Euphorbia cervicornis, Euphorbia nuvulia |
Common Name: | Sesudu, Malayan Tree Spurge, Sudu, Sudu Sudu, Ancient Euphorbia, Fleshy Spurge |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Plant Shape | Irregular |
Maximum Height | 5 m to 7 m |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Origin is uncertain. |
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Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Highly branched succulent with a cactus-like growth form, growing up to 5-7 m tall. In the wild, it can grow up to 20 m tall. |
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Foliage | Smooth, glossy leaves are borne along the stem ridges. Leaves are obovate with entire leaf margin. |
Stems | The fleshy, 3-winged stem (but sometimes 4- or 5- winged) is armed with paired spines that line the edge of the wings. The spines are 2-5 mm long and extend past the tiny, prickly stipules. |
Flowers | The inflorescence (called a cyathia) looks like a single yellowish-green to pinkish, cup-shaped flower. The cup if formed by bracts (modified leaves) which are fused together. The actual flowers are tiny and unisexual, located in the middle of the cup-like bracts. It is pollinated by bees, attracting them with abundant nectar. |
Fruit | Smooth, lobed capsule (8-10 mm wide) turns deep red at maturity. It carries smooth, round seeds which are brown-yellow and 2 mm wide. |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
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Water Preference | Little Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant |
Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Plant Growth Rate Remarks | It can become large in 3-5 years. |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
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Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden, Green - Light Green |
Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
Foliar Margin | Entire |
Foliar Apex - Tip | Rounded |
Foliar Base | Cuneate |
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
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Flower Texture(s) | Thick / Fleshy |
Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Individual Flower Shape | Bowl-shaped |
Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Yellowish Green |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red |
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Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
Fruit Type | |
Mature Seed Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 705 |
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Species ID | 2000 |
Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |