News Reader.info

AdCommunityCommunity NewsCommunityCommunity NewsNews HomeNewsSportCommunityTributes & FuneralsClassifiedsExplore TravelEntertainmentLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperDownload our

appInteractive PuzzlesViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estatePress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of

propertyHome/Community/Community NewsLes Hodge | Variety the spice of life for euphorbiasApril 10 2020 - 6:00pmApril 10 2020 - 6:00pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyDIVERSE: Euphorbias come

in a delightful range of sizes and shapes and are relatively easy to grow from cuttings or seed. Euphorbias are a very diverse family of succulents that come in a huge range of shapes and

sizes, from five centimetres to ten metres tall.

Subscribe now for unlimited access. Login or signup to continue reading

50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue In addition, many

adapted to survive in areas where rainfall is low or seasonal with very long dry periods in between by developing ribbed stems.

Plants with this form are able to take up water during wet periods and store it in their stems which, due to their ribbed shape, are able to expand and contract without splitting.

Some interesting euphorbias include Euphorbia milii or crown of thorns, a small shrub with succulent branches lined with long sharp thorns.

Many forms are available with larger bracts usually bright red in colour although yellow, pink and white variants are known. It's a very dry tolerant ornamental plant popular for rockeries

and gravel gardens.

For year-round appeal plant Euphorbia wufenii for its eye-catching large, lime/green flowers and blue/green foliage; an ideal planting for Mediterranean-style gardens.

Boronias with their gorgeous fragrance need perfect drainage. Euphorbia myrsinites or donkey tail spurge loves hot, dry spots where its prostrate stems of waxy blue leaves and

chartreuse/yellow flowers can be used to great effect.

The spiralling of the leaves follows the Fibonacci sequence in that each number is the sum of the two preceding ones.

The twisting snake-like cylindrical stems coming from the central point of Euphorbia caput-medusae resembles the head of the Greek mythological creature Medusa. It's a most unusual plant

that looks attractive planted in border edgings or containers.

Freesias are a popular choice in the garden thanks to their stunning perfume. A surprising member of the Euphorbia family is the poinsettia we use to decorate our homes at Christmas time.

Euphorbia pulcherrima naturally flowers in winter but commercial growers can manipulate the day lengths to alter their cycle to get them to flower in our summer.

Propagation of many euphorbias is easy as some are grown from cuttings and a few smaller species are readily raised from seed.

The seeds are borne in three lobed pods each containing only a single seed. As the pods ripen the seeds are ejected several metres which leads to the formation of dense colonies in their

natural habitats.

Euphorbias tend to be more frost tender than most cacti and under greenhouse conditions this may not be a problem, but further inland they may require warmth at night in frosty weather.

Water under the leaves to prevent powdery mildew.

Always wear gloves when handling euphorbias as the milky sap can cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

Passionfruit vines grow best in full sun, sheltered from strong winds.Native Plant of the Week Grevillea australis is the only grevillea species native to Tasmania and was first noted in

1804 by botanist Robert Brown (1773-1858) growing on the banks of the Tamar River near Launceston.

This variable species is widespread in Tasmania but also occurs in all eastern states of Australia except Queensland.

It's an open to dense, small to medium shrub, from 0.2m to 2.5m in height with creamy, white flowers that occur in clusters along the stems in winter, spring to summer.

The flowers are pollinated by bees and butterflies.

Grevillea australis revels in Tasmania's cool, mild summers, wet and cold winters and frequent snowfalls on higher ground.

In coastal gardens with humid weather that do not experience cold winters it can be quite short lived as it appears to need the cold to survive.

It grows well in an open or partly-shaded position in well-drained, acidic, sandy or heavy soils. Water in summer. Shape can be improved by pruning.

Take cuttings from firm, current season's growth.

Grevillea australis is widely available in nurseries with several cultivars in cultivation and the prostrate form is particularly appealing.

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyMore from Community NewsHoo Hoo Hut demolished: Classic landmark to be replaced after incidentNo comments'Reckon I've earned it': Change coming for

Launceston's most famous hairdresserNo commentsHealth risks for Taree as town starts recovery after worst flooding on recordNo commentsDo you help out in the community? It's just gotten

easier to lend a handJack, 90, lives on last acre of Tassie suburb named after his familyNo comments'Loved by everyone': Don Cleaver turns 100 in South LauncestonNo commentsNewsletters &

AlertsView all Daily

Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Loading... Weekdays

The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Loading... Weekdays

The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyNote from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyFootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Loading... Weekly

Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Loading... Weekly

Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Loading... Weekdays

The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Loading... Twice weekly

The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Loading... Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Loading... As it happens

Subscriber OnlySpecial Reports Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports.

Loading... Weekly

Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading... As it happens

Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyToday's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyYour favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Loading... Advertisement

Ad Advertisement

AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionThe ExaminerContactAbout UsWorking With

UsToday's PaperCommenting GuidelinesView Property EditionHelp CentreOur SitesViewExploreView InsuranceBeevoPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo

CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage SalesSubmitSend a letter to the EditorSend Us Your News