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November 8, 2005 : Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii
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Keywords: Euphorbiaceae | Euphorbia characias L. subsp. wulfenii (WDJ Koch) Radcl.-Sm. | 37847-0614-2005
The droplets of water on the foliage of large Mediterranean spurge hint at an ecological adaptation to hot, dry environments. During episodes of intense heat and dry air, the amount of evapotranspiration (the combination of evaporation and plant transpiration) can be so high that plants are unable to draw enough water from the soil (or internally) to retain biochemical balance and turgor, so they begin to wilt and burn. If this environmental stress continues long enough, the plant will shrivel and die.
Plants growing in hot, dry environments, have evolved a number of strategies to reduce the likelihood of “death by thirst”. This Euphorbia illustrates one example. Its leaves are covered by a thick epicuticular wax that prevents the loss of water from the leaf surface via evaporation; the wax forms an impenetrable barrier that water cannot pass through and be lost. The waxy layer works from both directions, though; the hydrophobic lipids of the wax repel the water molecules and prevent adhesion, while water's cohesive properties cause the beading.
Photography resource link: for study and inspiration, the flora and fauna photography of Sean and Jennifer McCormick of Alberta, Canada.
Posted by Daniel Mosquin at November 8, 2005 12:00 AM
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Posted by: Anthony at November 8, 2005 5:06 AM
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii - Z7 -
RHS Index of Garden Plants, Griffiths
Posted by: Beverley at November 8, 2005 6:36 AM
I've got one of these plants and I'd like to add it makes an incredible display with its masses of chartreuse floral bracts. Mine started blooming in late February, but the bracts are long-lasting: so I finally cut them back in late July when they were starting to look a little shabby. A word of caution: the plant's milky latex with dry into glue-like globules on your garden pruners, so rinse them off immediately!
Matt
Posted by: Matt at November 8, 2005 11:15 AM
Thank you for the comments. I have found learning easier and more fulfilling when the source of words are known. Thanks again.
Chris
Posted by: Christopher Denton at November 8, 2005 11:27 AM
I have checked the dictionary on this one and found that euphorbia comes from the Greek word euphorbian after the Greek physician, Euphorbus.
I note that the dictionary further indicates that spurge comes from the Latin expurgare to purge or purify. Do you think that this might have been used to induce vomiting or a natural enema effect to 'purge' patients of matter believed to be causing their conditions?
Chris
Posted by: Christopher Denton at November 8, 2005 11:42 AM
In this shot it looks like we are looking at a compact cultivar with smaller leaves in tufts borne more closely together than typical for the species.
Posted by: Ron B at November 13, 2005 11:38 AM
Ron, perhaps - it is the first year of growth, though.
Posted by: Daniel Mosquin 
at November 14, 2005 1:47 PM
what is the right thing to do with a Euphorbia Characias ssp. wulfenii in the fall? Does one trim the stalks or let them be as they are?
Posted by: Christine at November 14, 2006 11:31 AM
Christine, I spoke with David Grieser, the garden supervisor, about this. He says he may or may not leave them standing for the winter, depending on whether they look “ratty” or not. When they do look ratty (and this applies at any time of the year), he cuts them back harshly and they come right back.
Posted by: Daniel Mosquin at November 14, 2006 1:21 PM
I have several of these plants that have come through their first winter in Vernon, BC, Canada (Zone4-5)....right now they're looking pretty ratty and some of the leaves have browned from the cold - it did get down to minus 16 Celcius here this winter...they were covered with plastic pots with lots of air holes so they wouldn't get damaged by the heaps of snow we had...I have taken off the covers to let the sun get at them....What should I do now? Just leave them alone? or cut them back to start fresh for a new years growth?...the stems look and feel waxy and healthy. Many thanks, Natalie Chapman
Posted by: Natalie Chapman at March 12, 2007 1:11 PM
Natalie - the best place to ask that question is on the forums (see link right above "Post a Comment")
Posted by: Daniel Mosquin at March 12, 2007 4:38 PM
What plants go good with lupine in the garden?
Posted by: Hanna at February 25, 2008 10:13 PM
Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!
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In Greek, "Euphorbia" means "spurge", especially the Euphorbia resinifera. "Characias" means "Wood Spurge", Euphorbia sibthorpii, which I think is now called Euphorbia characias wulfenii, i.e. today's picture. "Characias" also means "suitable for making stakes or poles." However, the picture would not lead one to such a conclusion. "Wulfenii" refers (I think) to the 18th century Jesuit botanist von Wulfen. Thus: "Wulfen's wood spurge." This is a beautiful Euphorbia, though the resinifera has a little more pzazz.