
    /Monadenium lugardiae/
    Euphorbiaceae

Monadenium lugardiae

*/Monadenium lugardiae/* is a perennial, succulent plant native to
Eastern Africa. Cylindrical stems will reach up to 24 inches (60 cm)
tall with a stem diameter of 1-1 inches (2.5-4 cm). The stems have
rhomboidal or hexagonal tessellations (stem looking like a checker
board) with two 1-2 mm spines in each tessellation. Leaves are spatulate
to obovate to 4 inches (10 cm) long. The plant has a milky sap (latex)
that can cause dermatitis if leaked upon the skin. This latex should be
considered poisonous.

*Culture:* /Monadenium lugardiae/ need full sun to light shade with a
well-drained soil mix. In the greenhouse, we use a soil mix consisting
of 2 parts sand to 1 part loam to 1 part peat moss. The plants are
watered and allowed to dry thoroughly before watering again. We lightly
fertilize only once during the growing season. Too much water and
fertilizer will cause root rot. During the winter month, only water
enough to keep the leaves from shriveling and dropping off.

*Propagation:* /Monadenium lugardiae/ is propagated from cuttings. Stem
tips from 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long are used. After cutting, the
stems are dipped in charcoal dust to seal the cut and then left to form
callus for a week before inserting the cutting into the soil mix.
Cuttings should root in 6-8 weeks.


