Euphorbia aggregata | Euphorbia alfiletero
€7,95
🌱 Morphology
It looks like a small cushion covered in tiny spines that has sprouted between the stones of the Karoo. From a base very close to the ground, numerous short, compact stems multiply, forming a true colony of small green columns. The spines, reddish or violet when young, appear solitary and stand out against the deep green of the stems, giving the plant the appearance of a small, armed cushion.
It is a low-growing, cespitose succulent with numerous erect, tightly packed stems, generally 5–7.5 cm tall and 2–4.5 cm in diameter. It usually has 8–9 ribs, though there can be 7, which are not very prominent and have an obtuse section. The leaves are rudimentary, fleshy, and very ephemeral. The spines, which are actually modified, persistent sterile floral peduncles, measure approximately 5–8 mm and may be absent in some areas of the stem. The cyathia appear near the apexes and have yellowish-green or, occasionally, purple glands.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
A species of the Euphorbiaceae family, native to South Africa, mainly the Eastern Cape, with presence also recorded in the Free State. It grows in dry, rocky areas of the Karoo, forming small clumps among outcrops and low scrub. It is a species closely related to Euphorbia ferox and Euphorbia pulvinata, with which it can be difficult to distinguish.
❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 9a–11b
It tolerates minimum temperatures of up to −6 ºC in fully dry, well-acclimated specimens during brief episodes. Cultivation observations indicate tolerance to light frosts, although cold accompanied by humidity significantly increases the risk of rot.
☀️ Lighting
During active growth, a DLI PAR of 18–25 mol/m²/day is recommended, with plenty of light and several hours of direct sun once acclimated. Intense lighting encourages compact growth and the proper formation of the stems and spines.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. During the active period, it is recommended to water abundantly and allow the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. Although it comes from a region with rainfall in different seasons, it should be kept practically dry during the coldest months, especially at low temperatures.
🌸 Flowering
The small cyathia appear near the ends of the stems. The nectar glands are yellowish-green and occasionally purple. Flowering is discreet, but it contributes to the formation of the characteristic persistent peduncles that later turn into spines.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a specific fertilizer for succulents is recommended, with a high content of assimilable calcium, such as Desert CHOICE® Succulents, applied once a month when watering.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi.
📏 The sizes of our basic collection xerophytes are as follows:
S -> 9cm x 9cm
M-> 14cm x 14 cm
L->16cm x 16 cm
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The measurements of the plant are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly because it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
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