Abstract: MS agarmedium supp lemented with 2,4-D 2.0 mg·L^-1 and 6-BA 0.5 mg·L^-1 was proved to be the best for inducing callus from the leaves of Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. It was suitable for somatic embryogenesis when the concentration of 2,4-D was reduced to 1.0 mg·L^-1. Activated carbon, MSmedium and suspension culture were suitable for high frequency somatic embryogenesis. If globular embryoids, heart-shaped embryoids and pear 6-BA shaped embryoidswere transferred intoMSmedium supplemented with NAA
0.2 mg·L ^-1, 6-BA 0.5 mg·L ^-1 and casein hydrolyzed 80 mg·L ^-1 , the quality of somatic embryos would be improved. If cotyleden embryoids were transferred in time into a forementioned medium added on ABA 0.5 mg·L ^-1 , the rate of normal somatic embryogenesis would be increased.

Key words: Euphorbia pulcherrima, Callus, Somatic embryogenesis, Artificial seed