This species is very similar to Euphorbia candelabrum, from East and northeastern Africa, and may be conspecific[].

Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia abyssinica is a spiny, succulent, evergreen tree with branches that are usually erect, persistent, forming a dense broadly obconical crown; it can grow up to 9 metres tall. The bole is short and stout[, ]. The tree is mainly leafless, photosynthesis being carried out by the green, spiny, somewhat cactus-like stems.
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].

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

Tropical Africa - Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia.

Habitat

Steep rocky hillsides; sometimes forming pure stands, often around churches; locally abundant or common at elevations from 840 - 2,400 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier places in the tropics, where it can be found at elevations from 840 - 2,400 metres[]. Plants cannot tolerate frosts[].
Succeeds in full sun and in light shade[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A stem bark decoction is taken to treat gastro-intestinal complaints[].

The latex is taken in milk, or eaten with bread, to treat gonorrhoea or ascariasis[].
The latex is applied to wounds to accelerate healing[].

Other Uses

The soft, yellow wood is used for water pots, xylophones, roofing, matches, boxes, tables and saddles[, ].
The wood is used for fuel[]. The carbon from burnt wood is used for making gun powder[].

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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