![]() ![]() There is at least one recorded case of it causing death from gastro-intestinal haemorrhage. The latex, as in other euphorbias, is very toxic and may cause blindness, blisters on the skin, and even prove fatal if enough of it is swallowed. The common name rubber-hedge euphorbia refers to its widespread use as planted hedges around smallholdings, habitations and livestock pens, which help to keep intruders out. ![]() Derivation of name and historical aspects ![]() Dense thickets are associated with this species, and the plant itself may form hedge-like barriers in the veld. The associated geology varies between granite, sandstone and rhyolite. Outside Africa it also occurs in India, Indonesia, China and the Philippine Islands.Įuphorbia tirucalli occurs in various habitats ranging from grassy hills, rocky outcrops and ridges, along river courses, bushveld and open savanna. It is therefore present in all the warmer parts of South Africa, and is particularly abundant in KwaZulu-Natal, where sometimes pure stands can be observed. The rubber-hedge euphorbia has its southernmost African distribution in the Eastern Cape and its northernmost in Ethiopia. These succulent trees resemble cactus plants and at first glance are often mistaken for cacti. Of approximately 200 species found in South Africa, 14 can be seen as trees. There are more than 2000 species of Euphorbia found in the warmer parts of the world. This spineless species contains large quantities of latex which is freely exuded by the twigs and branchlets at the slightest injury. The seeds are oval, about 4 x 3 mm, glabrous, smooth and dark brown with a white line around the small white caruncle (fleshy wart near the hilum of the seed). The stalks are generally bent at an angle. The fruits appear from November to December. As with other members, the capsules dehisce while still on the tree. They appear from September to December.įruits are tripartite capsules (divided into three parts), about 12 mm in diameter, longitudinally very slightly lobed, short-stalked (8 mm), pale green, with a pink tinge and conspicuously pubescent (clothed with soft hairs). The flowers are yellow, inconspicuous, and carried in clusters at the apex of the short branches or in the angles of branches. The thin twigs are pendant (hanging down), pale green, and occur opposite each other, alternately, or in groups on the branchlets, which gives a rather untidy and rounded appearance to the crowns. Leaf scars on young twigs form conspicuous dents which contract until they are no more than grey dots on older branchlets they can even be seen on fairly thick green stems. The leaves are small and slender, up to 12 x 1.5 mm, and are rarely seen as they fall very early. The branches are cylindrical, smooth and glabrous-green, 5-8 mm in diameter, forming brush-like masses that are the best-known feature of this species. There are sometimes conspicuous, small protuberances, such as bulges, knobs, or swellings, on the bark, and occasionally black, rough, crosswise bands. The bark of very old specimens is grey and rough with longitudinal dents and ridges that break up into very small fragments. The rubber-hedge euphorbia is a many-branched, succulent plant, usually 3-5 m but may reach 10 m on occasion. ![]()
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