Meetings
Tree Euphorbias
Presented by Dr. Robert Webb
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Robert H.
"Bob" Webb is a distinguished research hydrologist and world-renowned expert on cacti and succulents. After a career with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the University of Arizona, he transitioned his focus to the study and preservation of desert flora, specifically focusing on long-term environmental changes in arid regions.
He is the co-owner of Arid Lands Greenhouses, with his wife Toni Yocuum in Tucson, Arizona. He manages one of the world's most diverse collections, featuring over 3,000 succulent types. He is a leading authority on species such as Agave and Sansevieria, having traveled extensively through Africa, Arabia, and Baja California to document rare plants in their natural habitats.
IN THIS ISSUE
He is also an author, having written or edited over 25 books and hundreds of scientific papers. His work often bridges the gap between technical hydrology and botanical field studies, and he has been credited with discovering and naming ten new species or subspecies of succulent plants.
This bio was AI generated
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Tree euphorbias are not well known by botanists or collectors. The essential work on this group of plants was initiated by Susan Carter and Peter Bally in the 1970s and 1980s, culminating with Susan's treatment of Euphorbia in the Flora of Tropical East Africa and continuing with the International Handbook of Succulent Plants with a latest edition about 2021.
I realized in my extensive communications with Susan that this group of plants is poorly understood and not well photographed in the wild. Because Arid Lands Greenhouses has a large collection of Euphorbia dating back pre-CITES days, I have an opportunity to compare wild populations with plants in cultivation and correct some long-standing errors in horticultural labeling. So I have dedicated my African trips to finding and photographing rare tree Euphorbia.
This talk will be a survey of tree Euphorbias from the Arabian Peninsula and India through eastern Africa culminating in South Africa and Namibia. As is the case for many African succulents, the biodiversity hotspot for these plants is Kenya and Tanzania, which will be a central focus of the talk.
Euphorbia candelabrum
Euphorbia ammak
From left, Bhwire Bhitala, Glazer Mbuya, and some other guy. The crew on the last several East African trips.
Speaker Coordinator: Vonn Watkins Email
All are welcome!
Meetings consist of a brief message with announcements from the president, an informative program, a raffle, door prizes, refreshments, and free plants (for members).
For the January meeting we are asking members whose last names begin with “H” through “M” to bring finger food that would serve 10-12 people. It’s MUCH appreciated!!
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month from January thru November.
Location: St. Phillips in the Hills Episcopal Church - Murphey Gallery
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
4440 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718
Our meetings are held at the Murphey Gallery at St. Philip's in the Hills Church, located at the northeast corner of River and Campbell. The property can be accessed from westbound River Road by turning into the driveway before the light at Campbell. Watch for St. Philip's signs. Going north on Campbell, take an immediate right onto the property after you go through the intersection.
We look forward to seeing you there!
We also offer a Zoom presentation
When you sign in to the Zoom you’re entered into a raffle for a $25 gift certificate to local nurseries.
