Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia mainty is a much-branched, evergreen, succulent shrub or tree that can grow up to 8 metres tall. Most of the time leafless, photosynthesis is carried out by the slender, cylindrical stems[].
The plant is a source of latex that is used locally for waterproofing, varnish and medicinally. It is grown as a pot plant in Europe and the United States[].
This species has a large extent of occurrence (20,326.9 km²) and a large area of occupancy (11,910.9 km²). Recorded from 16 localities and comprises three to six subpopulations. There are some threats, (habitat degradation, fire, habitat clearing for charcoal. Grazing by cattle) but these do not yet trigger a threatened status. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The latex is very toxic[].

Botanical References

Range

Africa - southeastern Madagascar.

Habitat

Dry thickets and open forest, from sea-level up to 500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The latex is taken in water as a vermifuge, despite its toxicity. The use is well-known and people are careful about the quantities used[].

Other Uses

The latex was formerly mixed with fibres from other plants to make wooden boats watertight; it was also made into varnish to make boats water resistant[].
The latex is mixed with latex from other plants to make a rubber[].

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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