Intisy, Pencil Plant
Euphorbia intisy
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
Euphorbia intisy is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought. The plant is not wind tolerant.
Height (m): 5
Where it is found
Dry bushland.
Africa - Madagascar.
Conservation Status: Status: Least Concern
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, East Africa, Madagascar, Tasmania.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A high-quality rubber is obtained from the latex.
Management: Coppice: Cut to the ground repeatedly - resprouting vigorously. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Management: Coppice: Cut to the ground repeatedly - resprouting vigorously. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.
How it is grown
An easy species to grow that is suited for any well drained soil in full sun. But young plant are happy growing indoors, where they can easily reach the ceiling. Use an airy growing medium of non organic material such us clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat or leaf-mould. Water regularly during the active growing season. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep almost completely dry in winter. It is a moderately fast grower quickly become large landscape plant in just 3-5 years. Strong winds cause permanent scarring. Fast growing and long lived once established. It can tolerate moderate shade.
Propagating it: Seed
Best place to grow:
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 10-12
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry
Things to keep in mind
In almost all cases, the latex found in Euphorbia species is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially when it comes into contact with eyes or open cuts.
Its other names
Local names
Pencil Plant, Pencil Cactus, Rubber Hedge Euphorbia.
Synonyms
Tirucalia intisy (Drake) P.V.Heath