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

Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia conspicua is a spiny, succulent tree that can grow from 5 - 15 metres tall[]. The bole is up to 75cm in diameter. The plant's habit is very variable; the trunk can be simple and erect, or more often with a number of trunk-like branches randomly or subverticillately arranged; it is often freely branched and rebranched from towards the base to form a large, broadly rounded crown[]. Leaves are only present in young plants, photosynthesis being carried out by the green, cactus-like stems. All parts of the plant exude an abundant latex if injured[].
The plant is 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

Tropical Africa - western Angola.

Habitat

Coastal areas about 3 km inland (between Ambriz and Benguela, especially around Luanda); dry, hilly, maritime and rocky places; constituting dense forests, but sometimes solitary; maritime fields[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The latex is taken as a purgative to treat constipation, and also to treat breast inflammation, epilepsy, coughs and tuberculosis[].

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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