Source: Wikimedia Commons
Euphorbia tulearensis
AdvancedEuphorbia tulearensis
A small spurge from south-western Madagascar with a rounded corky caudex, short fat branches and rosettes of crinkled leaves like those of E. decaryi. It forms a bonsai-like plant about 20 cm tall.
About
Euphorbia tulearensis is a small succulent spurge known only from around Toliara (Tuléar) and Saint-Augustin in south-western Madagascar. The type locality is the foot of La Table near Toliara, on rocky limestone. Although locally common, its range is tiny and declining from habitat degradation, fire, clearing for charcoal and illegal collection for horticulture; the IUCN Red List category is Critically Endangered. A napiform taproot merges with the stem into a rounded corky caudex topped by a crown of short, fat branches, eventually forming a bonsai-like plant about 20 cm tall and a little wider. The leaves, much like those of E. decaryi, are dark red to green, narrow, succulent and strongly crinkled, in rosettes at the stem tips; the small bell-shaped flowers have pinkish bracts. The similar E. cap-saintemariensis always develops longer, sprawling branches. In Japan seed-raised plants are sold through online shops and auction sites, and seed of hybrids is also offered.
Size of the Euphorbia tulearensis
The Euphorbia tulearensis grows to About 20 cm tall and a little wider.
Basic Info
Origin
South-western Madagascar (Toliara and Saint-Augustin)
Lifespan
Slow-growing and long-lived (little published data)
Size
About 20 cm tall and a little wider
Temperature
10〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
A potassium-rich succulent fertiliser in summer
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Heat-tolerant; grow in sun to light shade. More sun deepens leaf colour and keeps branches short.
Watering
Water regularly while growing and keep almost dry in winter. It rots quickly with too much or out-of-season water: warm and moist in growth, cooler and dry at rest.
Temperature & Overwintering
Tender and especially prone to rot if cold and damp while dormant. Overwinter it dry in a bright, warm room or greenhouse.
Soil & Repotting
Use an airy mineral mix in pots with generous drainage. Repot every two years and trim off dead branches.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, cuttings or grafting. Seed quickly loses viability, so sow it fresh; it germinates in one to two weeks.
Pests & Cautions
Like all Euphorbia, its white latex irritates skin and eyes. Wear gloves when cutting or repotting and keep it away from eyes and mouth. Seed-raised plants form a rounded tuber while cuttings tend to produce a tangle of thin roots, so choose seedlings if the caudex shape matters. As an Appendix I species, international trade in wild-collected plants is prohibited, so plants on the Japanese market are mainly seed-raised. Even so, check for a registration certificate before buying or listing.
Euphorbia tulearensis FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Euphorbia tulearensis?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Euphorbia tulearensis get?
The mature size of Euphorbia tulearensis is About 20 cm tall and a little wider. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Euphorbia tulearensis?
Euphorbia tulearensis: watering & fertilizer — A potassium-rich succulent fertiliser in summer. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Euphorbia tulearensis?
The price of Euphorbia tulearensis varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES): Euphorbia tulearensis
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan: Act on Conservation of Endangered Species
- Japan Wildlife Research Center: registration of internationally endangered species
- IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Euphorbia tulearensis
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Succulents: Euphorbia tulearensis
- Wikipedia: Euphorbia tulearensis
- GBIF
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix I. International trade is prohibited in principle, and in Japan the species is an "internationally endangered species" under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species, so transfers and display or advertising for sale generally require a registration certificate. Check that a certificate exists before buying or listing. The IUCN Red List category is Critically Endangered.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Euphorbia tulearensis / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: Act on Conservation of Endangered Species / Japan Wildlife Research Center: registration of internationally endangered species / IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Euphorbia tulearensis
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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