Euphorbia CAPUT-MEDUSAE

Euphorbia CAPUT-MEDUSAE - Medusa's head spurge, Euphorbia caput-medusae.

A very rare caudiciform species!

Euphorbia is a genus of succulent and non-succulent plants in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), comprising about 2,000 species growing in tropical and subtropical regions of all continents, and characterized by high adaptation to diverse climatic conditions and growth forms - from herbs to trees and shrubs.

Members of the genus have thickened, fleshy, often ribbed stems, sometimes with spines that store water, which makes them resistant to drought and irregular watering. Plants vary greatly in appearance: herbs, shrubs, trees, cactus-like forms, with the presence of milky sap, which often contains toxic substances, serving as a common feature. Leaves can be large or reduced, simple or lobed, often falling off during the dry season.

Small and inconspicuous flowers are collected in special inflorescences - cyathia, surrounded by bracts often mistaken for petals. The fruits are three-locular capsules containing rounded or ovate seeds.

Many species in nature reach large sizes, but most euphorbias are well adapted for indoor cultivation and are valued for their ornamental appeal, unique forms, and resilience.

Medusa's head spurge is distinguished by a globose main stem, partially sunken into the ground and merging with a fleshy taproot whose diameter can reach up to 20 cm (8 in). From the central tuberculate growing point, the base produces numerous crowded branches that create the impression of a cluster of octopus tentacles, which intertwine with each other and form a tuberculate hemispherical cushion.

The branches of the plant have a cylindrical or slightly cylindrical-clavate shape. Each branch is erect and has a length of 18 to 75 cm (7-30 in) and a diameter of 10 to 30 mm (0.4-1.2 in). In the central part of the branches there are mosaic areas with protruding obliquely elongated tubercles up to 8 x 5 mm (0.3 x 0.2 in) in size. The leaves are linear, acute or obtuse, and fleshy. On top, the leaves are flat or slightly concave-channeled, and underneath they are very convex or slightly keeled. They drop quickly.

The flowers are gathered in solitary cyathia located at the ends of the branches in the axils of tubercles. The peduncles have a length of 1 to 10 mm (0.04-0.4 in) and are surrounded by 5-7 small bracts that harden and persist, forming a cup-shaped involucre around or beneath the inflorescence. The flower diameter is approximately 12 mm (0.5 in). The nectar glands are green and shiny, measuring 4 x 6 mm (0.16 x 0.24 in), divided along the margin into 3-6 white linear entire or toothed processes that form a fringe around individual male flowers, each having one stamen, and a single female flower with an elongated pedicel. The ovary is sessile.

Seeds are sown on the surface or with light embedding, no more than 2 mm (0.08 in), into a loose sand-peat substrate. Sowings are moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film, and kept at a temperature of 21-25 °C (70-77 °F) in the light, but not under direct rays. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and complete drying out of sowings. To avoid prolonged condensation retention, the container is ventilated 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

Seedlings appear within 12-25 days. The maximum germination period can exceed 40 days. As seedlings appear, the cover is gradually removed. Pricking out is carried out after the appearance of 2-3 true leaves, and plants are potted into individual containers.

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It prefers bright lighting and sunny windowsills, but can also adapt to diffuse light. With sufficient light, the color of the stems becomes richer and may take on a yellowish tint. In partial shade, it develops slowly and loses its compact form, the stems stretch out and lose ornamental appeal.

In summer, the optimal keeping temperature is 21-28 °C (70-82 °F), in winter - 15-18 °C (59-64 °F), not below 12 °C (54 °F). In cold weather, the plant requires a dormancy period. Watering is carried out moderately as the soil dries out. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum, only to avoid complete drying out of the substrate. Excess moisture causes rotting.

It grows in a light, breathable soil for succulents consisting of equal parts turf soil, leaf mold, coarse sand, and charcoal. A drainage layer of expanded clay or gravel is mandatory. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 3-4 years, with care for the root system. Fertilizing is applied in spring and summer 1-2 times with fertilizer for succulents. Excess nitrogen is contraindicated - it leads to loss of ornamental qualities and stretching of shoots. Organic fertilizers improve coloration and tissue density.

Pruning is carried out sanitarily, to remove damaged areas. Propagation is possible by seeds and cuttings, which root after drying. Seeds produce good emergence when germination conditions are observed; when working with cuttings, skin protection from milky sap is necessary.