Churee

Euphorbia royleana (yoo-FOR-bee-ah roy-lee-AH-nah)

Family: Euphorbiaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Sullu spurge is an erect, deciduous, columnar, flowering shrub or small tree that has a whorled, succulent, segmented branches and a stout, hairy trunk. It is armed with short prickles along its stems. It can grow 6 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. It is native to Pakistan, China, and Taiwan, and it is often found on dry and rocky slopes at high altitudes. This species is a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). This plant is easy to grow and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Unlike most succulents, the Sullu spurge does not tolerate long periods of drought, and It can not tolerate very wet soil either. It is best to water this plant when the soil is dry several inches below the surface. It is are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b. Propagate by seeds or cuttings: however, sometimes germination of the seeds can be difficult. The Sullu spurge has a cactus-like appearance, although it is unrelated to cactus. The main stem can become up to 20 inches thick, and the branches can reach up to 3 inches thick. The branches are fleshy, green, segmented, and have 5 to 7 ribs. The leaves are alternate, large, and clustered at the apex of the branches. The leaves are fleshy oblanceolate or spathulate and measures 2 to 6 inches long and 0.25 to 1.5 inches wide. They appear during the moist season, but the branches become leafless in the hot and cold seasons of the year. Spines are downward-pointing pairs with broad flat faces. The flowers appear in the spring and summer and consist of a cyathia that is small, greenish-yellow, and appear in clusters of 3 or 4 in the leaf axils. This plant is used as a living hedge to control livestock in northern India. In warm climates, it may be used as accent or landscape planting. It also can be grown as a patio container planting. Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: This plant tends to have very few insect pests. Monitor for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Overwatering can cause root rot. The plant is mildly toxic and the milky sap can irritate skin and eyes. Wear protective gloves when handling this plant. Keep this plant out of the reach of children and pets. VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Euphorbia .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.