Euphorbia acanthothamnos (Greek spiny spurge)

Botanical name

Euphorbia acanthothamnos

Other names

Greek spiny spurge, Chicken wire plant

Genus

Euphorbia Euphorbia

Species

E. acanthothamnos - E. acanthothamnos is a cushion-forming, spiny, frost tender, evergreen shrub with ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves and tiny, yellow flowers from spring into summer.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Cushion or Mound Forming

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. The milky sap may cause irritation to skin and eyes.

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Colour

Flower

Bright-yellow, Yellow-green in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids

Specific diseases

Grey mould

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Propagation methods

Stem tip cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Euphorbia acanthothamnos (Greek spiny spurge) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Mediterranean, Ground Cover, Drought Tolerant, Containers, Conservatory, Banks and Slopes

Cultivation

In mild, frost-free areas, grow in well-drained, preferably neutral to alkaline soil in a sheltered, sunny site. May lose leaves during hot, dry summers. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor unheated (H2), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Euphorbia acanthothamnos (Greek spiny spurge)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Euphorbia acanthothamnos (Greek spiny spurge)

Common pest name

Banded-winged whitefly

Scientific pest name

Trialeurodes abutiloneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous whitefly native to the Americas with the potential to introduce harmful viruses to the UK. EU regulation should be considered and further assessed by EPPO.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Euphorbia acanthothamnos (Greek spiny spurge)

Common pest name

Powdery mildew: cotton; Powdery mildew: eggplant; Powdery mildew: pepper; Powdery mildew: tomato

Scientific pest name

Leveillula taurica

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Believed to be present and no statutory action is being taken. Status needs to be confirmed by survey.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/