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Euphorbia ritchiei (P.R.O.Bally) Bruyns
| Family Name: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Monadenium ritchiei P.R.O.Bally |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Columnar |
| Maximum Height | 0.4 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Inland Cliff) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Highland / Montane, Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Stems | The stems may be erect, lying on the ground with only the tip upright or underground in a horizontal position. The stem surface is covered by conical tubercles. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Male and female flowers occur together in a cup-shaped structure known as a cyathium. |
| Fruit | The fruit is a capsule holding grey, oblong seeds which are covered in minute tubercles. |
| Habitat | It is found about 1300 m above sea level on rocky slopes. |
| Cultivation | It is important to provide well-drained soil, as this species will rot easily in wet soil. When grown in containers, soil media rich in minerals (eg., pumice, lava grit) and low in compost or peat moss is ideal. It grows well under light shade, but could tolerate more sun if allowed to slowly adapt to increased light exposure. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Stems |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting (Herbaceous) |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | |
| Foliar Venation | Dichotomous |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Apiculate, Obtuse |
| Typical Foliar Size | 3 cm |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|---|
| Inflorescence Type | Cyathium |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Silver / Grey |
| Mature Seed Texture(s) | Bumpy / Tuberculate, Ridged / Corrugated |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34226 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8639 |
| 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. |
