Baseball Plant, Klipnoors (Euphorbia obesa)

Baseball Plant, Klipnoors
Scientific Name: Euphorbia obesa Hook. f.
Family: Euphorbiaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 4-9, 11,13-17, 31-34
USDA: 9b-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy down to 28°F (-2°C)
Minimum Avg. Temperature: 45°F (7°C)
Sun Exposure: Light shade, morning sun
Origin: South Africa (Great Karoo)
Growth Habits: Succulent, up to 8 inches high (20 cm)
Watering Needs: moderate water in Summer, keep dry in winter
Propagation: Seeds, sexes are separated, so a male and a female plant are needed for the fecundation

At first spherical, the Euphorbia obesa becomes taller with age. The plant has a long tap root. As with the other Euphorbias, its sap is poisonous.
Although this Euphorbia is very common in cultivation, it is almost extinct in the wild, mostly through over-collection and loss of habitat.

Baseball Plant, Klipnoors (Euphorbia obesa)

Cultural Practices:
This species is dormant in winter, keep it totally dry at or around 40°F (4°C).

Blooming Habits:
The tiny flowers are delicately scented. They form at the top of the plant (This picture was taken at the end of March in Phoenix.) This species is dioecious (meaning that there are male plants, and female plants).

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