Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia namibensis is a spiny, succulent, perennial plant, producing a cluster of short-branched stems that can grow 10 - 30cm tall[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often collected from the wild and sold as an ornamental plant[].
This species is known from 8 - 16 subpopulations with extent of occurrence around 20,000 km². Collecting is a potential threat although it probably is not serious enough to cause a continuing decline. The population is believed to currently be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana.

Habitat

Found in sparse cover desert, calcrete, gentle slope in full sun, and in sand. Also observed on flat areas in other parts of the Sperrgebiet[]. Found at elevations from 1,000 - 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the aerial parts is taken to treat venereal diseases and stomach-ache, or smoke of the burning plant is inhaled for these purposes[].

A root decoction is taken to induce vomiting after ingestion of poison[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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