Euphorbia tithymaloides

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iRedbird cactus
The redbird cactus is the vertical succulent, here growing along another non-succulent plant.
The redbird cactus is the vertical succulent, here growing along another non-succulent plant.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. tithymaloides
Binomial name
Euphorbia tithymaloides
L.

Euphorbia tithymaloides (Redbird cactus or Devil's backbone) is a succulent spurge. In the wild, it grows in North America and Central America, but it is also kept as a houseplant. The cyathia bracts of Euphorbia tithymaloides are pinkish-red of colour, and resemble small birds, whence its name. It has distinctive zig-zag stems, and comes in both green and variegated forms. Leaves are pointed ovals about 2 inches long. They can grow to about 6 feet tall.

In PerĂº, it is called cimora misha and is sometimes added to psychedelic brews made from mescaline-containing Trichocereus cacti. Its pharmacology is unknown.

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