Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Plant Shape | Columnar |
Maximum Height | 1 m to 2 m |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Succulent plant forming a clump of erect stems. |
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Foliage | Dark, purplish red leaves are obovate (egg-shaped with the pointed end attached to the stem). One leaf is located between most of the pairs of spines that line the stem edges. |
Stems | Thick, fleshy stems are 3-sided, triangular in cross-section and dull light green with an irregular, whitish stripe down the middle of the stem. Stem branches are also erect and parallel to the main stem. |
Similar | The stems of E. trigona resemble those of E. lactea in terms of their coloration and position of spines. E. trigona branches are erect and parallel to the main stem, while those of E. lactea are held at an angle away from the main stem, forming a tree-like branching pattern. |
Cultivation | This cultivar should be grown in bright light, because the leaves will lose their vibrant red colour under shade. Water plants thoroughly, then allow the soil to become very dry before re-watering again. |
Landscaping Features
Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
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Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch, Toxic Upon Ingestion, Irritant - Sap |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
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Water Preference | Little Water |
Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Propagation Method Remarks | Allow stem cuttings to dry for several days before planting in well-drained soil. Begin to water cuttings when new growth forms. |
Foliar
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Red |
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Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 32111 |
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Species ID | 6517 |
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. |