Euphorbia polyacantha

Euphorbia polyacantha (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1.5m

Eventual Spread: 2m

Hardiness: 10b, 11, 12, 13

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia polyacantha is a succulent, cactus like plant with a spreading habit. Its modified grey/ green leaves are completely attached  to the stem along one edge and have pairs of thorns along the other. Its spines are up to 6mm long. Its branches are erect, up to 4cm across (including leaf) and has a candelabra like crown. Its yellow flowers are borne at the stem apex.

Euphorbia polyacantha Stem (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Euphorbia polyacantha, commonly known as Fishbone Thistle or Fish Bone Cactus, is native to south Yemen, Sudan and Ethiopia. In its native habitat it grows on rocky slopes in shrubby thickets, often at the edge of Juniperus forests.

The etymological root of the binomial name Euphorbia is derived from Euphorbus, after the name of the Greek physician of King Juba II of Numidia. Polyacantha is derived from the Greek polys meaning ‘many’ and akanthos meaning ‘thorn’.

The landscape architect may find Euphorbia polyacantha useful as an attractive specimen houseplant. It may also be planted as part of a xeriscaping scheme in atriums.

Ecologically, Euphorbia polyacantha is of little value to UK wildlife.

Euphorbia polyacantha Growing Tip (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Euphorbia polyacantha  prefers a very well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

When maintaining  Euphorbia polyacantha as a houseplant its soil should be watered sparingly, never wet. Watering should be almost stopped during the winter months. Its preferred active growing temperature rages from between 20ºc to 28ºc, although it will tolerate a temperature as low as 10ºc. Feeding with weak fertiliser solution should be carried out once a month during the growing season.



Landscape Architecture

Dracaena goldieana

Dracaena goldieana (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: All year round

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 3m (usually less in cultivation)

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 11, 12, 13

Family: Asparagaceae

Subfamily: Nolinoideae

Dracaena goldieana is a slow growing tropical evergreen shrub with an upright habit. When young  this plant usually has a single stem, as it matures it may branch. Its dark green leaves have grey/ green banding, are ovate with entire margins, are up to 25cm long and 13cm across. Its small white bell shaped flowers appear on stems which emerge from its leaves.

Dracaena goldieana Leaf (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Dracaena goldieana, commonly known as Green Zebra Plant, Zebra Striped Dragon Tree, is native to tropical west tropical Africa. In its native habitat it grows as a tropical woodland understory plant.

The etymological root of the binomial name Dracaena is derived from the Greek drakaina meaning ‘she dragon’. Goldieana is named after Hugh Goldie, a 19th century missionary.

The landscape architect may find Dracaena goldieana useful as an attractive foliage houseplant suitable for atrium type planting schemes.

Ecologically, Dracaena goldieana flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Dracaena goldieana Stem (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Dracaena goldieana prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

When maintaining Dracaena goldieana as a houseplant its soil should be watered regularly and sparingly, the soil should never be wet. Watering should be reduced during the winter months. Its preferred active growing temperature rages from between 18ºc to 28ºc. Feeding with weak fertiliser solution should be carried out once a month during the growing season.



Landscape Architecture

Aloe speciosa

Aloe speciosa (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 3m

Eventual Spread: 1.5m

Hardiness: 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

Sub Family: Asphodeloideae

Aloe speciosa Leaf (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Aloe speciosa is a slow growing evergreen perennial with an upright rosette forming habit, forming a single stem. Its grey/ green fleshy leaves are linear lanceolate with red toothed margins, up to 1m long and arranged spirally on a tilted orientation. This plant will slowly form an erect stem. Its orange/ red flowers are tubular, mature to green/ white, are up to 55mm long and appear as erect racemes which may be up to 50cm long.

Aloe speciosa, commonly known as Tilt Head Aloe, is native to south South Africa. In its native habitat it grows in dry river valleys and mountain slopes in dense thickets.

Aloe speciosa Flower (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The etymological root of the binomial name Aloe is derived from the Semetic alloeh a name for this genus. Speciosa is from the Latin meaning ‘spectacular’.

The landscape architect may find Aloe speciosa useful as a suitable specimen plant in a rock or desert garden setting. Its is also suitable for growing as a house plant, suitable for bright conditions. Once established this plant is drought tollerant. Care should be taken when locating this plant due to the sharp teeth found on its leaf margins.

Ecologically, Aloe speciosa flowers are attractive to pollinating insects and Sunbirds.

Aloe speciosa Trunk (28/02/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Aloe speciosa prefers moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

When maintaining Aloe speciosa as a houseplant its soil should be watered regularly. Watering should be reduced during the winter months. Its preferred active growing temperature rages from between 18ºc to 28ºc, although it will tolerate a temperature as low as near freezing. Feeding with weak fertiliser solution should be carried out once a month during the growing season. Mealy bugs may attack this plant.



Landscape Architecture