Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia crotonoides is a much-branched, somewhat fleshy, annual plant; it usually grows up to 50cm tall, with occasional specimens up to 150cm. The stems are often more or less woody at the base[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for localuse as a medicine.

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, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, S. Africa.

Habitat

Sandy and stony soils in open grassy woodland or disturbed localities, at elevations from 350 - 2,440 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Found in the wild mainly in well-drained sandy or stony soils[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A root decoction is taken to treat stomach problems and hookworm infection[].

The root bark is chewed and the sap is swallowed as a purgative to treat obesity[].

The latex is applied to warts and skin diseases[].

An infusion of the aerial parts is mixed with other plants and taken to treat malaria[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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