Euphorbia ​abdelkuri

Euphorbia abdelkuri

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Common Names: Abd al Kuri Euphorbia
Geographic Origin: Euphorbia abdelkuri is endemic only to the Abd al Kuri Island in Yemen, within the Socotra Archipelago. The island is located in the Indian ocean south of the Arab peninsula and east of the coast of Somalia, and is guarded by fierce winds and Somalian pirates. Even more difficult to locate, E. abdelkuri only grows within a 10 km area consisting of limestone grounds 250-400 meters above sea level, and is not located anywhere else within the Abd al Kuri Island. However, historically the succulent once existed throughout the island, but has decreased for unknown reasons.
Description: The Abd al Kuri Euphorbia is a spine-less succulent that forms densely-branching, gray stems that develop into candelabra-like formations up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide. In adults, the stem is cylindrical and smooth, while young plants possess a hexagonal stem with a wrinkled greenish-gray coloration. Overall, the succulent is considered to resemble a candle dripping with melted wax.
When flowering, E. abdelkuri produces simple cymes from the top of the stem, bearing small yellow cyathia. Inflorescences will be followed by three-sided, dull green fruits.

Interesting Features:

Euphorbia abdelkuri was included within the Red Book of Endangered Species in 1977, and the population of plants within the Abd al Kuri Island was dramatically reduced during the 1980’s, now only including 15 populations. As a result, the species and its native habitat are legally protected.
All species within the Euphorbia genus exude toxic latex when cut, but E. abdelkuri is the only known species to possess yellow latex, and not white.

Uses: No ethnobotanical or medicinal purposes are known for this species. However, other Euphorbia species were historically used within Africa to poison arrows.

Cultivation and Care:
- Watering: Low

Water occasionally during the fall and spring growing seasons – about once every 10 or 15 days – and reduce watering to every other month during the winter. However, additional irrigation may be required depending on the specific environment the plant is located within.

     - Soil Type: Site in a very well-draining, mineralized soil mix. However, the best results will be seen with a mix containing 2 parts of organic soil or compost, 1 part of pumice, 1 part of perlite, and 1 part of scoria.
     - Lighting: E. abdelkuri prefers full sun during most of the day, but should be protected from moderately strong afternoon sun, especially if the plant begins to burn. Be wary of yellow, brown, or red patches that may indicate sunburn or stress. Additionally, moderate shade is also tolerated, but optimally, succulents should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
     - Propagation: Propagation is possible through seed, grafting, or cuttings. However, seeds are rare, and difficult to obtain. Most E. abdelkuri specimens are grafted onto other succulents – commonly, Euphorbia canariensis – as the Abd al Kuri Euphorbia is sensitive to root-rot, and slow-growing. However, once grafted, the species is easy to maintain.
     - Cold tolerance: 35°F, USDA hardiness zones 10b-11
     - Special Accommodations: E. abdelkuri is very frost tolerant, and will perish quickly when exposed to cold temperatures. Always protect from cold conditions, and site indoors to prevent nightly chills. Additionally, be extremely careful when handling to avoid damaging the stem, and coming into contact with the toxic latex. Even a small amount will result in severe skin irritation, and can cause blindness if exuded into the eye.

Sources:

See this species in the Mark Dimmitt Desert Plant Conservatory Virtual tour