Euphorbia lactea

Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Euphorbia lactea, Haw. (E. havanensis, Hort., at least in part). Fig. 1445. Similar to E. antiquorum, but with a white-marbled area running through the middle of each face of the branches. E. Indies.—One of the most common succulent euphorbias in cult., of fine candelabra form, and making rapid growth. The euphorbias grown for hedges in Fla., W. Indies, etc., are chiefly this species, though some may be E. antiquorum. It is often confused with E. Hermentiana. Cristate forms are in the trade as E. lactea monstrosa and E. havanensis cristata, though these should perhaps be referred to E. antiquorum. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

Euphorbia lactea in Kourou, French Guiana.

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Scientific classification
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Binomial name
Euphorbia lactea Haw.
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Euphorbia lactea (Mottled Spurge, Frilled Fan or Elkhorn) is a species of spurge native to tropical Asia, mainly in India.

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. All parts of the plant contain a poisonous milky latex.

It is used medicinally in India. 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. Other colloquial names include Candelabra spurge, Candelabrum tree, Candelabra cactus, Candelabra plant, Dragon bones, False cactus, Hatrack cactus, Milkstripe euphorbia, Mottled candlestick.