How to identify Sullu spurge (Euphorbia royleana)

How to identify Sullu spurge (Euphorbia royleana)

Sullu spurge, also known as Royle's spurge

Sullu spurge is distinguished by its upright, deciduous form reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters) and its striking cactus-like appearance with succulent, segmented branches. The hairy trunk supports branches with short prickles and whorled growth. During the rainy season, large leaves form clusters that soon after shed, revealing downward-pointing spines with flat faces. Though visually compelling, sullu spurge's milky sap must be handled with care due to mild toxicity and potential skin and eye irritation.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Sullu spurge

Upright form reaching 20 feet (6 meters) with cactus-like branches and hairy trunk.

Distinctive greenish-yellow flowers in subterminal cymes with minimal stalks.

Fruit with three-lobed capsules containing brown, striated seeds lacking caruncle.

Succulent, apically clustered leaves with no petiole, falling off before blooming.

Ridged stem with paired downward-pointing spines, turning leafless based on seasons.

Detailed Traits of Sullu spurge

Leaf Features

The leaves of sullu spurge are apically clustered and produced during the moist season. These leaves are slightly succulent, with a blade length of 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) and a width of about 1.5 inches (4 cm). The base is attenuate, and the veins are inconspicuous, lacking a petiole. Leaves fall off soon after their development and are usually absent when the plant is in bloom.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Sullu spurge flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and grouped in clusters called cyathia, which are almost stalkless. Each cluster contains 3 to 4 cyathia arranged in subterminal cymes found in the leaf axils. The cyathia resemble false flowers and feature minimal individual stalks, emphasizing the clustered, compact nature of these blooms. Their small size and unique arrangement are pivotal for identification. These flowers bloom in spring, adding a subtle yet distinct touch of greenish-yellow to the plant's appearance.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of sullu spurge features whorled branches that are 4 or 5 ridged. The stem is covered in paired spines pointing downwards. It typically has a rough texture and is green in color. As the seasons change to hot or cold, the stems of sullu spurge become leafless. The stem's robust and distinctive ridges, along with the paired downward-pointing spines, are critical for identifying this plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of sullu spurge is distinctive in structure, consisting of a three-lobed capsule indicative of the Euphorbiaceae family. Upon ripening, each lobe can be expected to contain a single seed. The seeds within these capsules are notably brown with notable longitudinal striations on the adaxial (upward-facing) side. However, unlike some relatives within its genus, the seeds lack a caruncle, which is a small, fleshy appendage that typically aids in seed dispersal. The dry, dehiscent capsules define the fruit, releasing seeds when mature. This crucial characteristic informs identification and differentiates sullu spurge from other species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Sullu spurge and Their Similar Plants

Crown of thorns vs. Sullu spurge: What's The Difference?

The Euphorbia milii is commonly known as the crown of thorns or Christ thorn, as it is believed to the plant associated with the crown of thorns that was worn by Christ. It needs to stay above 10 ℃ with full sun.

Poinsettia vs. Sullu spurge: What's The Difference?

The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.

Petty spurge vs. Sullu spurge: What's The Difference?

Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is an annual plant from Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is fast-growing and has become invasive in some countries because it outcompetes other species for resources such as moisture and sunlight. Petty spurge latex is mildly toxic, has nevertheless attracted the attention of researchers in the US and Germany who hope to isolate useful compounds from it.

Spotted spurge vs. Sullu spurge: What's The Difference?

Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is a low-growing summer annual that is commonly considered a weed. Spotted spurge grows in almost any open area. The stems of this species secrete a milky sap that can irritate the skin and is toxic to sheep. Spotted spurge can be controlled by digging up the plant and its roots and mulching the area to prevent regrowth. It is naturally killed by frost.

Pencil cactus vs. Sullu spurge: What's The Difference?

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a small tree shrub that grows best in warm arid climates and is named for its pencil-sized succulent branches. Pencil cactus is native to black clay soils in Africa and can be poisonous if ingested. It produces a latex compound that can be poisonous and cause blindness.

Devil's-backbone vs. Sullu spurge: What's The Difference?

Devil's-backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a succulent species of spurge native to North and Central America. It has been planted in gardens since the 17th century and valued for its unique appearance and its habit of attracting hummingbirds. However, nearly all parts of this species are toxic and should not be consumed.

Cypress spurge vs. Sullu spurge: What's The Difference?

The cypress spurge is an ornamental plant native to Europe. Because of its strong tendency to overrun the habitats of other species, this plant is classified as a noxious weed in various states, including Colorado. Although this plant attracts bees and other pollinators, some sections of it are hazardous and contain irritants.

Mottled spurge vs. Sullu spurge: What's The Difference?

Mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea) is a spurge species native to tropical Asia, particularly in India. Mottled spurge is commonly planted as an ornamental species in tropical regions and grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. This species is also commonly known as dragon bones and is highly toxic if consumed.

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Key Facts About Sullu spurge

Attributes of Sullu spurge

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Sullu spurge

Highly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Sullu spurge

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Spurges

Species

Sullu spurge (Euphorbia royleana)

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Distribution Map of Sullu spurge

Sullu spurge is indigenous to the temperate and tropical regions of the Himalayas and adjacent areas. It thrives in these high-altitude zones but has also been introduced and cultivated in various other regions where its resilience can be harnessed in suitable climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Sullu spurge

A Comprehensive Guide to Sullu spurge How to Grow and Care for Sullu spurge