Travel Tips

Over the years I collected many things. The only hobbies persisting over the decades has been my love of growing and propagating plants, and traveling. I am a Life member of the "Cactus and Succulent Society of America" and grow several species including Aloe, Cacti, Euphorbia, and Pachypodium. I shall include pictures shortly of a representative of each type. All of my plants were purchased from Arid Lands Greenhouses and grown with care.

All the stems grow radially around a main point consisting of caudexes (enlarged roots used for water storage) under the soil. This plant was approximately six years old when I took this picture. It suffered frost damage in 2005 and 2006, but made a remarkable come back.

The "flower" are actually modified leaves and the tiny yellow center is the flower. I have been able to propagate this by hand pollinating these flowers and producing viable seed!

When i departed Texas for Virginia, I had to give up 90% of my collection so I no longer have any to sell. I was fortunate as a seed of this euphorbia landed in one of the potted plants I kept! It is doing well.

This picture illustrates details of this diminutive euphorbia coming from the Arabian peninsula and Ethiopia/Somalia/Eritrea regions. After 10 years of growth the main plant attained a height of 18-20 cm and had 12-15 stems in 2004. Last summer (2006) the main plant suddenly died however, I am happy to report I still possess all the stems and they are well on their way to becoming a healthy plant like their mother. Several have already produced side stems of their own!

This euphorbia is one of only a few species possessing paired spines. I hkept four of these euphorbias as they are small. All cuttings are doing well and branching nicely.

This euphorbia comes from western Africa where it grows into small trees. When I purchased my plant it was only 3-5 cm tall. After nine years of growth both of my plants are approximately 40 cm. Both started producing stems 1 to 2 years ago.

If you look closely, note the sticker growth!

Most pachys come from the island of Malagasy however, there are also several varieties on the Ethiopian peninsula.

I have gotten lucky the past two years. Both years, one flower of many has been pollinated and produced a 12 inch long green bean! Unfortunately the seeds were not viable. I have had better luck taking a cutting from this plant so now I have two!

I had to give up this pachypodium before moving however I am fortunate to see it at the Botanical Garden along the mall whenever I desire.