#BotanicalFacts #CactusClique #SucculentSquad Did you kno...
#BotanicalFacts #CactusClique #SucculentSquad Did you know that the African Milk Tree isn’t a true cactus, but a Succulent? Yes, despite its appearance and common nicknames like "candelabra cactus" or "cathedral cactus," the African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra') is a succulent, not a true cactus. Here's why:
Succulent, not a Cactus:
The African Milk Tree is classified as a stem succulent within the Euphorbia genus.
Leaves and Spines:
Unlike cacti, which have areoles (bumps where spines grow) and spines (modified leaves), Euphorbia species have leaves and thorns, and the spines are not produced from areoles.
Milky Sap:
Euphorbia plants are known for their milky, toxic sap (latex), which is another key difference from cacti.
Growth Habit:
African Milk Trees have a distinctive upright, columnar structure with multiple branching stems, rather than the typical cactus growth patterns.
Common Names:
Despite being called a cactus, it is also known as "Friendship Cactus", "Good Luck Cactus" and "Abyssinian". I had no idea!!
Succulent, not a Cactus:
The African Milk Tree is classified as a stem succulent within the Euphorbia genus.
Leaves and Spines:
Unlike cacti, which have areoles (bumps where spines grow) and spines (modified leaves), Euphorbia species have leaves and thorns, and the spines are not produced from areoles.
Milky Sap:
Euphorbia plants are known for their milky, toxic sap (latex), which is another key difference from cacti.
Growth Habit:
African Milk Trees have a distinctive upright, columnar structure with multiple branching stems, rather than the typical cactus growth patterns.
Common Names:
Despite being called a cactus, it is also known as "Friendship Cactus", "Good Luck Cactus" and "Abyssinian". I had no idea!!
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African Milk Tree is on my bucket list. I love them!! Yours is amazing beautiful 💜