Euphorbiaceae - Euphorbia family
SA Tree no 345
This tree prefers rocky terrain and only grows on the Lebombo Mountains.
This is a single-trunked Euphorbia, with a candelabra-like canopy of upward growing branches. The individual branches form many side branches that originate at the same level. These branches are square and form long rectangular segments.
The bark is grey-brown and rough. The stem is sturdy and may develop trunk-like branches, each with the characteristic crown of branchlets, these usually being 4 winged, but occasionally 3- or 5-winged. The spines are slender, with conspicuous, but usually separate spine-shields.
Links with animals - Birds feed on the fruit.
Human uses - The white latex, which is thin and watery and without scent, is very poisonous and can severely irritate the eye and skin. It is used to stun fish, in order to catch them with greater ease.
Gardening - This is an attractive tree that may be planted in a large, rocky garden, but care to avoid contact with the latex is essential. The tree can be grown from seed or cuttings and is very drought resistant, but sensitive to frost.
Leaves - There are no visible leaves on this plant.
Flowers - Small, light-yellow flowers grow in groups of three from June to August. (10 mm)
Fruit - The capsule-like fruit have three parts which ripen to red, from July to October and burst open on the tree. (15 mm)
Thorns - Thorns are in pairs on the horny strips on the angles of young branches only. (7 mm)
Best places to see the Lebombo Euphorbia in Southern Africa:
The Lebombo Euphorbia is found in the Kruger National Park in the Lebombo Mountain Bushveld ecozones.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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