Euphorbia ampliphylla
Pax
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Vlada Trailin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Vlada Trailin
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Ayco Tack, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaEuphorbia ampliphylla (also called Euphorbia winklerii and Euphorbia obovalifolia) is a succulent rainforest tree of the montane rainforests throughout East Africa and belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. The branches are each about 20 cm (8 in) diameter and are succulent, three-winged and pachycaulous. Like most Euphorbia species, it has milky white sap. The toxicity of many euphorbias is well known, but no specific information is available concerning E. ampliphylla. It is used locally for medical purposes. It is one of the tallest of all known succulent plants, definitely up to 30 m (98 ft) It is also the world's only known succulent rainforest tree. As most other succulent members of the genus Euphorbia, its trade is regulated under Appendix II of CITES.
Description
A tree. It grows 30 m high. The trunk has slight buttresses at the base. The crown is small. The leaves are small. They are near the end of stems.
Traditional Uses
Caution: All parts are poisonous. It can also cause allergic reactions.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
A little latex, probably in water, is taken orally to treat rabies. A decoction of the wood is given to treat stomach-ache during childbirth.
Known Hazards
Although we have seen no specific information for this plant, the latex in most, if not all Euphorbias is caustic and toxic - skin contact often causing irritation and blistering; contact with the eyes causing temporary or even permanent blindness; whilst ingestion can cause purging or more severe problems.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in mountain rainforest. It is usually near streams. It suits humid locations. In Malawi it grows at about 1,950-2,150 m altitude.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia,
Cultivation
This species is probably the tallest succulent Euphorbia.
Propagation
Seed - Cuttings root easily. They need to be stored in light shade for a few days to dry before being planted, or else they will rot. It is best to plant the cuttings when the rain is about to stop, in a well-drained soil.
Notes
Possibly edible.
References (2)
- Molla, A., Ethiopian Plant Names. http://www.ethiopic.com/aplants.htm
- White, F., Dowsett-Lemaire, F. and Chapman, J. D., 2001, Evergreen Forest Flora of Malawi. Kew. p 253
