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Top left:The candelilla plant (Euphorbia antisyphyllitica) growing at the Langtry visitor center, Texas. The epiphet antisyphyllitica refers to the plant's supposed medicinal properties. The flowers are relatively decorative by the standard of many Euphorbias. This plant is relatively common in the Big Bend country and the Rio Grande valley but in its natural habitat, where water may be scarce and the heat intense, the stems often have a bronzed appearance.
The candelilla plant was an important source of candelilla wax, which is still produced in small quantities by boiling large quantities of stems with sulphuric acid, and skimming the wax from the surface of the vat. The wax was used in the manufacture of phonograph records, in cosmetics and as an industrial lubricant.
Middle left: Dragon's blood, Leatherstem, Jatropha dioica, growing on limestone in a very dry valley, South of Shafter, Texas.
Bottom left:
Pedilanthus macrocarpus, (Slipper Plant) from Sonora and Baja California, growing in the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden. The flowers attract humming birds. This species is an excellent plant for a container in a warm climate but will not stand any frost.
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