Teke Spurge

Scientific name: Euphorbia teke

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Not Evaluated

GPS: location: 17° 42′ 58.12″ N, 64° 49′ 47.27″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Teke Spurge (Euphorbia teke)

Common Names: Teke Spurge, African Candelabra Spurge
Scientific Name: Euphorbia teke
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native Range: Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola)
Habitat: Dry tropical scrub, rocky slopes, savannas, and open woodland margins

General Description:

Euphorbia teke is a striking, upright, succulent spurge with a columnar or candelabra-like form. Though often called “tree-like,” it is a stem succulent, lacking true woody growth, and is characterized by its thick, green, ribbed stems and milky latex sap. It can grow 10–20 feet tall and serves as a dramatic presence in dry gardens or arid plant collections. Like other Euphorbia species, it is drought-tolerant and adapted to nutrient-poor soils, with seasonal patterns tied more to rainfall than temperature.

Phenological Markers:

1. Leaf Growth and Senescence:

  • New Leaf Emergence: Early rainy season (May – June)
  • Leaf Maturity: Summer (June – July)
  • Leaf Senescence: Late summer to early fall (August – September)
  • Leaf Characteristics: Tiny, short-lived leaves appearing near stem tips; fall off quickly after emergence, leaving prominent ridges and photosynthetic stems

2. Flowering Period:

  • First Sign of Buds: Early dry-to-wet season transition (May – June)
  • Peak Bloom: Summer (June – August)
  • End of Flowering: Early fall (September)
  • Flower Characteristics: Small, cup-like cyathia (typical of Euphorbia) often clustered at the tops of branches; yellow to greenish, sometimes with red margins

3. Fruit Production:

  • First Sign of Fruit Development: Mid to late summer (July – August)
  • Fruit Maturity: Fall (September – October)
  • End of Fruiting: Late fall (November)
  • Fruit Characteristics: Small, dry, 3-lobed capsules that split open explosively to disperse seeds

4. Dormancy Period:

  • Dormancy Begins: Late dry season (December – March)
  • Dormancy Ends: Onset of rains (April – May)
  • Dormancy Characteristics: Minimal visible growth; no leaves or flowers; stems remain green and photosynthetic

Ecological Notes:

  • Pollinators: Small bees, wasps, and flies
  • Wildlife Interaction: Sap is toxic and deters browsing; explosive seed dispersal may aid colonization in dry habitats
  • Soil Preferences: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils; intolerant of wet roots
  • Growth Habit: Columnar to branching candelabra form; may reach 10–20 feet with age

Observational Guidelines:

  • Best Time for Observation: May through October for flowering and fruiting
  • Key Field Markers:
    • Seasonal appearance of leaves (brief and sparse)
    • Development of cyathia (small flowers) at stem tips
    • Fruit capsules and their dehiscence (seed dispersal)
  • Phenology Triggers: Primarily influenced by rainfall, not temperature; flowering often coincides with the onset of the rainy season

Special Notes for Botanical Display:

Euphorbia teke is a succulent architectural plant and does not qualify as a tree under ArbNet, but may be included in:
– Xeric landscape collections
– Drought-adapted or climate resilience displays
– Educational exhibits on convergent evolution with cacti

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