Euphorbia hybrid "Suleika"

#This invention relates to a new Euphorbia hybrid to be known as "Suleika" and characterized by limited vertical growth and large blossom size. "Suleika" was created in the course of breeding studies on the Euphorbia hybrid "Gabriela". The new variety belongs to the Euphorbia milii group.

#The new variety resulted from selective inbreeding by manual fertilization (endogamic hybridization--i.e., pollen of the same blossom on its own stigma) of the Euphorbia hybrid "Gabriela" conducted in 1974 and the parents are therefore Euphorbia "Gabriela". After manual fertilization, the seeds were harvested and sown. The seedlings were observed until they blossomed and a positive selection made on the basis of results in 1975. "Suleika", which is the subject of this application, was considered the most beautiful and best in growth, structure, blossom size and profusion of blossoms. "Suleika" is uniform, stable and has been and can be reproduced fully at any time through vegetative propagation.

#One of the most important new characteristics of "Suleika" is the bringing forth of blossoms at the germinating tip and, at the same time, in the upper leaf axes and the vertical growth of the plant is thereby limited. Another is the size of the blossoms (cyathia)--they are significantly larger than blossoms of the parent variety "Gabriela".

#The individual characteristics of the new Euphorbia variety "Suleika" and some comparisons with its parent "Gabriela" are summarized below; and in the following description, the color identifications preceeded by the initials "RHS-" refer to Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart color designations:

#p Plant.--The "Suleika" variety grows in an upright habit and liits its growth vertically to a height of about b 10 to 12 cm by bringing forth blossom clusters from te upper leaf axes at heights of 6-12 cm and also at the germinating tip. In contrast, the parent "Gabriela", develops blossoms at heights from 10 cm and upward and the plant keeps on growing.

#As in all plants of this species, "Suleika" exudes a white milky sap when subjected to injury.