Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia ampliphylla is a spiny, succulent, evergreen tree, the primary branches ascending, rebranching irregularly and more or less densely at the apices to form a spreading rounded crown. It usually grows up to 10 metres tall, though specimens up to 30 metres have been recorded. The bole can be around 90cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local medicinal use.

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[].

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia.

Habitat

Montane forests[]. Well-drained rocky slopes with evergreen moister forest; often left after clearance; Podocarpus latifolius, Olea capensis forest; at elevations from 1,200 - 2,700 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

This species is probably the tallest succulent Euphorbia[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

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[].

Other Uses

None known

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[].

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