Family: Euphorbiaceae
Common name: Snow bush, Snowflake bush, Snow-on-the-mountain, Snow Christmas tree, Christmas Euphorbia, Little Christmas flower, Snow flake, Snows of Kilimanjaro, White lace Euphorbia
Snow bush or Christmas Euphorbia grows in tropical weather, but turns fully white during winter, resembling a bush covered with snow.
This plant is native to South and Central America, but has been introduced into many tropical and sub-tropical countries. They are loved by gardeners and landscapers for their white, flower-like bracts that cover the plant during blooming season.
Plant characteristics
Snow bushes grow to a height of 1.5 to 2 meters, essentially a small tree or a tall bush. The stems are slender and woody, growing thick and brown as the tree matures.
Branches are mostly smooth with occasional ridges, and exudes a white milky sap when cut or injured, a very typical feature of Euphorbiaceae family.
Leaves of the Snow bush are dark green, lance-shaped, about 3-6 cm long. They have a smooth texture and slightly wavy margins, contributing to the beauty of the plant when it is not flowering.
The true flowers of the Snow bush are quite pretty, but small, greenish, and inconspicuous. The flowers are surrounded by elongated white bracts that are seen in abundance. They bloom so thick and plentiful that the entire plant looks like it is covered with snow.
The bracts are about 2-3 cm long with a papery texture, narrow base and rounded edges. Snow bushes produce these bracts during winter, from Nov to Feb covering the plant with a snow-like effect.
Since it is during Christmas, the plant is also called Christmas euphorbia. This phenomenon is very similar to Euphorbia pulcherrima or Poinsettia in which the leaves turn red, during winter.
After pollination, the Christmas bushes produce small 6mm fruits that are 3-lobed, containing small greyish seeds.
Gardening tips
Snow bushes prefer good sunlight, though they can survive in partial shade with reduced blooming. Watering and fertilization is needed with the plant is growing, after which it can be reduced depending on how the plant is doing.
Fertilize just before the blooming period to help the plant grow and flower well. Pruning can be done post flowering, to keep the plant bushy and compact.
They are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, and any infestation can be addressed by spraying neem oil or organic pesticides.
Uses of Snow bushes
Most plants of the Euphorbiaceae family have some medicinal uses in the treatment of inflammations, breathing disorders, and skin infections.
But for all practical purposes, these plants should be considered highly toxic. The sap that exudes from the stem and leaves are toxic and can cause skin irritation on contact.
Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Contact with the eye can cause inflammation and reddening. So extra care should be taken to keep small children and pets away from this plant.
Snow bushes are mostly grown as ornamentals in home gardens, parks, or landscaped areas. Through the year, the plant stands quiet and unnoticed, until winter, when they burst into pristine white flowers capturing everybody’s attention.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and planted in moist, well-drained soil where they germinate very quickly. Semi-hardwood cuttings can also take roots very effectively.
Photographed at: Clarkes exotica, Bangalore
