Euphorbia tirucalli var. rosea

Euphorbia tirucalli var. rosea

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Common Name: sticks on fire, firesticks
Origin: Euphorbia tirucalli var. rosea originates from the dry regions of southern Africa, but the straight species has naturalized in many arid environments - developing a wide range from Madagascar through tropical and subtropical Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India. It is normally found in dry bushland thickets, at elevations up to 2,000 meters.
Description: Firesticks is an evergreen succulent that develops thin, loosely branching, vertical stems, distinctively golden-red. Seasonally, stems will fade to yellow in the summer, before darkening to red as winter approaches. The rosea variety is much shorter than the straight species, only reaching 6-8 feet in height.
During the colder months, small, inconspicuous clusters of yellow flowers called cyathia may appear at the apex of branches, followed by hairy, pale green fruits.

Interesting Features:
- All Euphorbia species produce a milky white sap when wounded, which is mildly poisonous. Exposure can cause skin irritation, burning, and temporary blindness.
- Additionally, extracts of E. tirucalli may be a co-carcinogen, promoting the growth of tumors. In Central Africa, the sap may increase susceptibility of children to the Epstein-Barr virus, a cancer causing pathogen. Always wear protective gloves and goggles when handling.
Uses: Other than its popularity in cultivation, the straight species has been used as a hedge or barrier; to treat earache, constipation, induce childbirth, reduce sexual impotency; and even to heal wounds. However, it is toxic in large doses, and overdosing is very common.
- The succulent’s poison is utilized extensively - in East Africa, the toxin has been used for arrows, and to kill fish, rodents, and other small creatures. Several countries have even used the toxin as a poison for criminals, and in the South-Western Republic of the Congo, the sap is included in a trial by poison.

Cultivation and Care:

Watering: Moderate
- Euphorbia tirucalli var. rosea does not handle drought as well as other succulents. When the soil is dry, water well, up to weekly irrigation during the summer. However, never allow the plant to stand in moisture, and do not water during the winter.
Soil: The firesticks succulent tolerates poor, rocky soil. If planting indoors, provide coarse loam with peat moss or leaf mold, and gritty material (sand or gravel). Maintain a pH between 6.1 and 7.8, and do not plant in overly organic soil.
Lighting: E. tirucalli var. rosea requires full sun to develop the best coloring (at least 6 hours per day), but should be provided with afternoon shade during hot summers (2-6 hours of direct sun per day).
Propagation: Reproduction is possible both through seed and stem cuttings. However, propagation may be onerous, as seeds are difficult to germinate, and the toxic sap may pose a problem when collecting stem cuttings. For the best results, it is recommended to use rooting hormones to guarantee propagation.
Cold Tolerance: 30°F, USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.
- The rosea variety is less cold tolerant than the straight species.
Special Accommodations: There are no specific disease problems, but be alert for bacterial, fungal, nematode, and insectile infestations.
- Avoid siting in locations that receive a lot of wind, as this can cause the branches to collide with one another, causing permanent scarring.
- Lastly, always be very careful when handling, and wear protective gear, to prevent exposure to the toxic sap.

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