Euphorbia lactea

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Euphorbia lactea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Rosidae (unranked) Eurosids I Order: Malpighiales Family: Euphorbiaceae Subfamily: Euphorbioideae Tribe: Euphorbieae Subtribe: Euphorbiinae Genus: Euphorbia Species: E. lactea
Binomial name
Euphorbia lactea Haw.

Euphorbia lactea (Mottled Spurge, Frilled Fan or Elkhorn) is a species of spurge native to tropical Asia, mainly in India.^[1][2]

It is an erect shrub growing up to 5 m tall, with succulent branches 3-5 cm diameter, ridged, with a triangular or rhombic cross-section; the ridges are spiny, with short spines up to 5 mm long. The leaves are minute, and soon deciduous.^[2] All parts of the plant contain a poisonous milky latex.^[3]

It is used medicinally in India.^[4] It is widely grown as an ornamental plant, both in the tropics, and as a houseplant in temperate regions; a number of cultivars have been selected for ornamental use, notably 'Cristata' with frilled branching.^[2][5] Other colloquial names include Candelabra spurge, Candelabrum tree, Candelabra cactus, Candelabra plant, Dragon bones, False cactus, Hatrack cactus, Milkstripe euphorbia, Mottled candlestick.

[edit] References

1. ^ Germplasm Resources Information Network: Euphorbia lactea
2. ^ ^{a b c} Huxley, A, ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. ISBN 0-333-47494-5
3. ^ Poisonous plants: Euphorbia lactea
4. ^ Plant of the Week.org Euphorbia lactea
5. ^ Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk: Euphorbia lactea