Family: Euphorbiaceae

The beefsteak plant is a colorful, upright shrub packed densely with foliage.

The native range is obscure due to the long history of cultivation. However, some suggest beefsteak plant comes from Fiji and South Pacific islands. The foliage varies greatly in size, shape, and especially color. A hardy plant, it tolerates salt spray and strong wind. Thus, it is suitable for use as a windbreak, visual barrier, and sound barrier. Propagate from cuttings. The colors are most vibrant when grown in full sun. While naturally bushy, occasional pruning is recommended for robust growth. 

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Hedge
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Windbreak

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in tropical regions outside its native range (e.g., Australia, Florida).
  
• Climate is well-suited to tropical and subtropical zones.
  
• Congeneric species are known to be serious weeds.
  
• Tolerates shade, aiding establishment in understories.
  
• Sap may cause skin irritation in humans.

Low Risk Traits:

• Not reported as a significant weed itself.
  
• Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs.
  
• Not parasitic or allelopathic.
  
• Does not form dense thickets or have a climbing habit.
  
• Not known to produce a persistent seed bank.