Pedilanthus... a rare Euphorbia with a shiny zig zag stem

Pedilanthus Euphorbiaceae is an endangered Mexican species. Expeditions have been sent across Mexico to find it and protect it from extinction.

No, I didn't climb to high elevations in Mexico to photograph it. I discovered it growing 5 blocks from my home here in tropical South Florida! I have no idea how it got here, nor does my neighbor whose yard it's growing in. But I'm thrilled by its strangeness. Its uniqueness. Its astounding color. Bravo Pedilanthus, you've a survivor!

Pedilanthus tithymaloides, Devil's Backbone, Jacob's Ladder, or Slipper Flower is a succulent shrub with thick zigzag stems that is native to dry tropical forests of Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and northern South America. Pedilanthus fleshy bract-cups are shaped like pink slippers and are only open at the tip. Pedilanthus, literally "slipper flower", are members of the Euphorbiaceae family. This subtropical succulent is a distant relative of poinsettias. Devil's Backbone grows 2' to 4' tall and 2' to 3' wide. It has 1" to 3" long leaves and makes an excellent potted plant or low shrub. Pedilanthus is available in two varieties, green and variegated. The variegated form shown takes on a pinkish tint during cooler weather.
www.floridagardener.com/pom/Pedilanthustv.htm
Biscayne Park FL
www.susanfordcollins.com

Taken on: December 23, 2016

Tags:

pedilanthus

euphorbia

white

pink

crooked stem

rare

endangered

Pedilanthus tithymaloides

Devil's Backbone

Jacob's Ladder

Slipper Flower

Pedilanthus tithymaloides variegated

variegated

Poinsettia

Euphorbiaceae

slipper « less

Sets appears in: • Luscious Leaves, Fruits, Seeds • Savory Succulents and Cactus more » • A very close look at... « less

Groups appears in: • Eblouissante Nature / Brilliant Nature - P1/C2 - No People

Camera: Nikon D7000, f/5.0, 1/1000 sec, 170mm (=255mm), ISO 450 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D7000
Aperture:	f/5.0
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/1000)
Focal Length:	170mm (35mm equivalent: 255mm)
ISO:	450
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Not Defined
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Gain Control:	Low gain up
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Ver.1.05
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