"What I do in My Spare Time: Euphorbia&Pachypodium!" Personal Page by lonestar_philomath

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.

Shrubby type

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.

Miniture Columnar

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.

Columnar Euphorbias

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.