Requires a very well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers a sandy soil but cultivated plants succeed on most soils except clay. Established plants are very drought resistant. This species is not very hardy in Britain, plants dislike winter temperatures falling below -10°c and suffer damage below -15°c. In particular, they dislike fluctuating winter temperatures and excessive winter wet. Plants grow well but give a poor yield of latex when growing in areas of higher rainfall. (This refers to the very low levels of rain the plant experiences in its native habitat). More rubber is produced if the plant is prevented from flowering. British summers are possibly not warm enough for this plant to thrive.

None known

Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Limestone ridges and highly calcareous soils in arid and semi-arid habitats.