How to Identify Tiger & Zebra Plants
People often confuse zebra plants (Aphelandra Squarrosa Louisae) with Tasmanian tiger plants (Euphorbia) or vice versa. The two plants can be difficult to identify by themselves because they are both shrubs, have similar colorings and their leaves have a similar striped appearance. However, it is much easier to identify them once you know the differences in each plant's coloring, leaf structure and shape--or see their differences when they are side by side. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Zebra plant - Aphelandra Squarrosa 'Louisae'
- Tasmanian tiger plant - Euphorbia
Instructions
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Comparing the Plants
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1
Place plants side by side to inspect the differences between their leaves, flowers, and stems.
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2
Notice that the zebra plant's leaves are oval with a pointed tip, while the Tasmanian tiger plant's leaves are longer and thinner.
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3
Inspect the veins on the zebra plant's leaves. The dark-green leaf has creamy white veins that run down the middle and spike out on the leaf blade.
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4
Inspect the coloring on the Tasmanian tiger plant's leaves. The coloring is almost the opposite of the zebra plant's. The outside of the Tasmanian tiger's leaves is colored a creamy white, and the darker green part of the leaves is in the center.
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5
Move apart the leaves on each of the plants to look closely at the stems. The stem on the zebra plant is thick, woody and purplish. The stem on the Tasmanian tiger plant is also thick and woody, but brown in color.
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6
Examine each plant's flowers if it is flowering season for them. The flowers on both plants come out of the top of the stem. However, the zebra plant's flowers are bright yellow, while the Tasmanian tiger plant's flowers are creamy white and bell shaped.
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Tips & Warnings
The Tasmanian tiger plant is suitable for indoor growing. The zebra plant is best grown outdoors.
The Tasmanian tiger is poisonous if it is ingested. It also can cause a skin irritation or an allergic reaction if it is handled.
