Page 12 - may2021
P. 12
sc gardens - plant enthusiasts
Euphorbia is a very large and diverse family. The
plants may be herbs, shrublets, shrubs or trees,
herbaceous, woody or succulent, but are always
characterized by conspicuous milky latex, and
unusual floral structures. It is the only genus of
plants that has all three kinds of photosynthesis,
CAM, C3 and C4. In Botswana we have almost
30 indigenous species of Euphorbia.
Euphorbias range from tiny annual plants to large and
long-lived trees, a genus that has over 2,000 species.
Succulent species are mostly confined to Africa and
Madagascar. Poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima (top left)
are a popular Christmas flower, Euphorbia obesa and
Euphorbia horrida (below left) are valued for their bizarre
appearance; Euphorbia ingens and Euphorbia cooperi
(opposite page) are Southern Africa’s largest succulent
trees, resembling candelabras. The crown of thorns plant
(Euphorbia milii, 2nd left) is commonly used as a thorny
barrier, for extra security.
Many are used as ornamentals in landscaping, for their
beauty, form, drought and heat tolerance, like Euphorbia
tirucalli and Euphorbia grandicornis (4th left), while quite a
few make good pot plants like Euphorbia clava (3rd left).
Euphorbia pekinensis is used in traditional Chinese medicine,
where it is regarded as one of the 50 fundamental herbs.
Hydrocarbons (fuel) have also been extracted from the
species. The latex of Euphorbia species is dangerous and
often causes extreme pain or blindness if the smallest
drop comes into contact with the eye, or causes painful
inflammation of the mucous membranes and throat.
Caution should always be exercised when pruning plants
by wearing gloves and safety glasses.
Text and Photos by S.C
SC GARDENS: CONSULTATION SERVICES
CALL: 75435290/EMAIL: sc.gardens@yahoo.com