prunus something or other

[GDLWyverex]

I was given this plant several years ago and still have not been able to ID it. It blooms all winter long and in the spring grows small ovate blue/green leaves.I call it prunus algo, algo being Spanish for something.

Thanks

 

 

Richard

 

[Silas_Sancona]

Looks like Euphorbia xanti, aka Cherry flowered/ Baja Spurge. Originates from Baja and can grow quite large with time. Flowers in some clones have a cherry -like fragrance. Behaves well here in the desert but can become a bit invasive/aggressive in more humid places like Florida, or if provided lots or summer water. 5gal specimen id brought with me fared far better than I'd expected when we lived in Bradenton (FL.)

[GDLWyverex]

3 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Looks like Euphorbia xanti, aka Cherry flowered/ Baja Spurge. Originates from Baja and can grow quite large with time. Flowers in some clones have a cherry -like fragrance. Behaves well here in the desert but can become a bit invasive/aggressive in more humid places like Florida, or if provided lots or summer water. 5gal specimen id brought with me fared far better than I'd expected when we lived in Bradenton (FL.)

Thank you and Merry Christmas

 

Richard

[fastfeat]

Agreed on Euphorbia xanti.

Didn't know that the scent was hit or miss-- the one I had and the big ones at Fullerton Arboretum were/are fragrant.

BTW-- the milky sap is a certain cue that it's not a Prunus, even though the the pale pink flowers on bare stems at this time of year could suggest it.

[GDLWyverex]

8 hours ago, fastfeat said:

Agreed on Euphorbia xanti.

Didn't know that the scent was hit or miss-- the one I had and the big ones at Fullerton Arboretum were/are fragrant.

BTW-- the milky sap is a certain cue that it's not a Prunus, even though the the pale pink flowers on bare stems at this time of year could suggest it.

I am in total agreement on the ID of e.xanti. The plant looks SSSSOOOooooo much like a prunus something or other, that I initially never considered anything else. I was thinking some sort of cherry which is actually used in some of its common names, hence the milk sap test never occurred to me. Talk about being lead astray by preconceptions.

Richard

[Silas_Sancona]

22 hours ago, fastfeat said:

Agreed on Euphorbia xanti.

Didn't know that the scent was hit or miss-- the one I had and the big ones at Fullerton Arboretum were/are fragrant.

BTW-- the milky sap is a certain cue that it's not a Prunus, even though the the pale pink flowers on bare stems at this time of year could suggest it.

After seeing the huge specimen in the Huntington's collection, I figured the flowers on all specimens would have the same smell. Flowers on the plant is have had for years, which is the same specimen that went to Florida,.. and now here, has no sent that I have been able to detect. 

[GDLWyverex]

Mine have no scent during the daytime and I have as yet to go up and see if they have an odor at night like so many of my plants.

Richard

Edited December 29, 2016 by GDLWyverex