There is some confusion over the correct name of this species. Euphorbia atoto is treated by some (such as the Flora of China) as a species that ranges through much of tropical Asia to New Guinea, Australia and the Pacific. However, some other treatments (such as the online World Checklist of Selected Plant Families) give it a much narrower range, restricting it to a few islands in the southern Pacific. The medicinal uses mentioned here are for plants growing in China and New Caledonia - if it turns out that the restricted range is correct then these uses will need to be transferred to the appropriate species[].

Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia atoto is a many-branched, evergreen perennial plant with prostrate to ascending stems that become more or less woody, at least at the base. It usually grows from 20 - 40cm tall, exceptionally to 60cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Australia to the Pacific

Habitat

Sandy places near the coast[]. Sandy beaches and coral reefs[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.35 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The latex is used as an emmenagogue and an abortifacient[].

In New Caledonia, seawater in which the plant has been soaked and trampled is often used as a purgative[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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