Euphorbia schubei

Euphorbia schubei belongs to the family of Euphorbiaceae. This species occurs in dry and warm regions of East Africa, especially in Tanzania. The plant is a typical representative of the Arids and Halbarid locations in this region and is named after the German botanist Hans Schub, who researched many African plants. The genus Euphorbia is one of the largest plants worldwide and comprises over 2,000 species that occur in diverse habitats, from tropical regions to dry, desert -like locations.

Morphology and appearance

Euphorbia schubei is a succulent, multi -year plant. It can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters and forms numerous, densely standing stems that are cylindrical to slightly ribbed. The plant often grows into dense groups and thus forms dense shrub stocks. The bark of the stems is green and sometimes takes red or brown tones when the sun is intensive, which offers a certain protection against UV radiation.

The leaves are reduced and short -lived in this way, which is typical for succulents that are adapted to extreme drought. The leaves only appear shortly after the rainy season and then drop again to avoid water losses through transpiration. The majority of photosynthesis is carried out via the green stems, an adjustment that is an advantage in dry habitats.

Like other types of wolf milk, Euphorbia schubei also produces a milky latex juice that contains toxic substances such as diterpen estes and protects the plant from the manes. This latex is very irritating and can cause inflammation in the event of skin contact or in the event of eye touch. Animals also avoid this plant due to the toxic juice.

Inflorescence and reproduction

The inflorescences of Euphorbia schubei are small and inconspicuous, a typical property of many euphorbias. The flowers appear in the form of cyathia, a complex inflorescence that is characteristic of the Euphorbia genus and how a single flower looks. Each flower contains both male and female flower organs, which represents an effective reproductive strategy. The flowering period varies depending on the region and climatic conditions, but mostly occurs during or shortly after the rainy season when the conditions for pollination and seed production are cheapest.

The seeds are scattered after maturity by an explosive opening of the fruit capsules. This mechanism enables the seeds to spread wide and thus ensures reproduction in remote, dry habitats. The seeds are small and resistant to extreme climatic conditions, which makes it easier to survive in the tough climate of East Africa.

Ecological adjustments

Euphorbia schubei shows several adjustments to the dry, sunny climate of its natural habitat. The plant has cam photosynthesis (crassulacean acid metabolism), a metabolism in which the CO₂ is stored during the night and used during the day for photosynthesis. This allows the plant to minimize water loss and at the same time operate effective photosynthesis. CAM metabolism is a frequent adaptation of succulents in hot, dry environments.

Furthermore, the reduced leaf growth is an important adaptation, since the leaves only appear for a short time during the rainy period. The water reservoirs in the stems store the required moisture for the dry periods and help the plant to survive even if there is a lack of water.

Distribution and protection status

Although Euphorbia schubei is considered an adaptable species in its natural habitat, it is threatened by agricultural use and loss of its habitat in certain regions. However, the plant is popular in cultivation and is often kept in collections for succulent plants. Despite its resistance and low care needs, however, it requires locations with high sunlight and permeable, sandy soil.