Euphorbia tirucalli, known as Pencil Cactus, Milk Bush, or Firestick Plant, is a succulent shrub or small tree native to Africa and India. It has smooth, cylindrical, green, leafless stems that photosynthesize, resembling pencils. The tiny leaves appear briefly on new growth. It produces a toxic, milky latex sap that can cause severe skin and eye irritation. In full sun, the stems turn brilliant orange-red (cultivar 'Sticks on Fire'). It is extremely drought-tolerant and used in xeriscapes.
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae (yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee) |
| Genus: | Euphorbia (yoo-FOR-bee-uh) |
| Species: | tirucalli (tee-roo-KAL-ee) |
| Synonym: | Euphorbia rhipsaloides |
| Synonym: | Euphorbia viminalis |
Euphorbia hermentiana Wilting, Yellow, Rotting: Winter Overwatering Likely
Rescuing Waterlogged Euphorbia: Cutting Above Rot
Pencil Cactus Repotting: Why You Should Wait
Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli): Geometric Succulent Stems, Toxic Sap
Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris): Spineless Pink-Flowered Prickly Pear
Ball Cactus (Parodia magnifica): A Handsome Globe with Silky Yellow Spines and Crown of Flowers
Desert Candle (Euphorbia abyssinica): A Towering, Candelabra-Tree Euphorbia for Frost-Free Climates
Propagating a Broken Euphorbia: Callousing and Re-rooting Protocol
Pruning Large Milk Cactus (Euphorbia): Toxic Sap Warning
Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
Cat Tails Euphorbia (Euphorbia leucadendron): A Vertical, Leafless Accent
Green Euryops 'Viridis' (Euryops pectinatus 'Viridis'): Sunny Evergreen Shrub with Daisy Flowers
Chilean Fire Bush (Embothrium coccineum): Scarlet Flames in the Temperate Garden
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