Cnidoscolus Souzae

Description

Cnidoscolus Souzae is a unique plant species that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is a shrub that is native to Brazil and was first discovered in 2007 by botanist Dr. José Irineu Rangel Rigobelo. The plant is known for its striking appearance, with its leaves and stems covered in small spines that resemble star-shaped hairs. Cnidoscolus Souzae is also known by its common name, “fingerprint plant,” due to the unique pattern on its leaves that resembles a fingerprint.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Malpighiales
Family	Euphorbiaceae
Genus	Cnidoscolus
Species	Cnidoscolus Souzae

Appearance

Cnidoscolus Souzae is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its leaves are green, glossy, and have a unique pattern that resembles a fingerprint. The leaves are also covered in small spines that resemble star-shaped hairs. The stems of the plant are also covered in these spines. Cnidoscolus Souzae produces small white flowers that bloom in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule that contains several seeds.

Care Guide

Cnidoscolus Souzae is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this unique plant:

Water

Cnidoscolus Souzae prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering during the dormant season.

Fertilization

Feed Cnidoscolus Souzae with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Soil

Cnidoscolus Souzae prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of sand, peat moss, and loam works well for this plant.

Sunlight

Cnidoscolus Souzae prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Hardiness Zones

Cnidoscolus Souzae is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cnidoscolus Souzae is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the plant is overwatered, it may develop root rot.

Habitat

Cnidoscolus Souzae is native to Brazil and can be found growing in the Cerrado region. It prefers well-draining soil and is often found growing in rocky areas and hillsides.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Cnidoscolus Souzae poisonous?

A: There is limited information available on the toxicity of this plant. It is best to err on the side of caution and keep it away from children and pets.

Q: Can Cnidoscolus Souzae be grown indoors?

A: While it is possible to grow Cnidoscolus Souzae indoors, it prefers full sun and may not thrive in low-light conditions.

Q: How often should I prune Cnidoscolus Souzae?

A: Prune the plant as needed to control its size and shape. It is best to prune in the spring before new growth begins.

Q: How long does it take for Cnidoscolus Souzae to flower?

A: Cnidoscolus Souzae typically flowers in the spring and summer, after reaching maturity at around 3-4 years old.

Related Plants

• Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius
• Cnidoscolus Chayamansa
• Cnidoscolus Phyllacanthus

References

• “Cnidoscolus Souzae.” The Plant List. Accessed 19 November 2021. <http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/tro-50107779>
• Rigobelo, J. I. R. “A new species of Cnidoscolus (Euphorbiaceae) from Brazil.” Brittonia, vol. 59, no. 3, 2007, pp. 263-266.
• “Cnidoscolus Souzae.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 19 November 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f100>