Common Tree Euphorbia

12 Replies

Euphorbia ingens

The Common Tree Euphorbia, which grows up to 12m tall, is a succulent savanna plant that favours hot and dry areas, often growing on rocky outcrops or in deep sand. In South Africa it is found over most of Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo and the North West Province.

The branches of the Common Tree Euphorbia contain a milky latex that is extremely poisonous, causing severe pain and even death if ingested, blindness if it gets in the eyes and terrible irritation of the skin. This is sometimes used as a poison for harvesting fish in rural areas. While it is a beautiful and hardy specimen plant in a garden it should not be used where pets and children may come into contact with it.

Common Tree Euphorbia on a hill between Letaba and Phalaborwa
Common Tree Euphorbia
Common Tree Euphorbias in fruit
Common Tree Euphorbia in fruit
Common Tree Euphorbia
Common Tree Euphorbia
Common Tree Euphorbia

 

12 thoughts on “Common Tree Euphorbia”

    1. DeWetsWild Post author

      Dit is nou interessant, Aletta! Volgens my boomboek kom hulle nie naby aan daardie omgewing voor nie. Ek wonder of dit miskien n nabye familielid kon wees? Ek sal moet naslaan!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

Please don't leave without sharing your thoughts?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.