Blog by Michelle Schlegel
Quite a few years ago, a neighbor brought over a small cutting of a succulent-type plant. It looked similar to the Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) that I have, except it was slightly thicker. It grew for years in a pot and sent out a bit of new growth. This year, it developed the most amazing flower structure I have seen. This helped me identify what it really was….or so I thought. The naming adventure began.
Earlier in the summer, I had bought a larger 1-gallon-sized plant to add to what I had at home. It was labeled “Slipper Plant” (Pedilianthus macrocarpus). But a Slipper Plant can also be called a Lady’s Slipper. It’s given this name because of the flower structure resembling a woman’s high-heeled shoe. But there are other plants using this ‘common’ name as well. These plants are Calceolaria and also Cypripedium orchids. This is why UC Master Gardeners are encouraged to use the botanical names. Except, further confusion comes with this at times, being identified as
. So, what is it? You have to depend on reliable sources and not all those other websites you might see!
Enter… University of Arizona. They have an article explaining the confusion over the different names. The Euphorbia lomelii has had several reclassifications. The most recent, in 2003, was changing its name from Pediliathus macrocarpus to Euphorbia lomelii. The University of Arizona also stated that its new name has not been widely accepted yet. I bet y’all wanted to know all that?!
The Euphorbia lomelii is native to the Sonoran Desert of Northwest Mexico and into parts of Arizona. It requires excellent drainage, full sun, and protection below 40 degrees in winter. E. lomelii are moderate growers with a 3-5 foot spread and a 3-foot height. I have mine planted in a blazing hot spot in summer, and it's happy so far. I saw a post on a social media site showing this Euphorbia next to a house wall in Arizona with radiant heat of 147 degrees registering on the thermometer! That’s an unusually tough but attractive plant.
The milky sap of this plant can be an irritant to skin, so beware with yourself and pets. Also of interest, native people have cooked the stems to obtain a wax from them. This wax can be used in cosmetics, as lubricants and varnishes. Interesting future uses perhaps? In the meantime, I will enjoy this unusual plant and its amazing flowers.
The University of Arizona, Cooperative Extension, Campus Arboretum “Euphorbia lomelii”.
Header photo Image by hartono subagio from Pixabay