Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia quadrangularis is a very sparsely branched, succulent, evergreen shrub or perennial plant, sometimes adopting a climbing habit. The plant usually grows from 2 - 3.5 metres tall. Sometimes the stem apex is damaged, and this produces a more densely branched habit with the plant around 1 metre tall[].
The plant is sometimes 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

East tropical Africa - Tanzania, Mozambique.

Habitat

Sandy rocky soils with dry grass and deciduous woodland; at elevations from 500 - 1,750 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier areas in the tropics, where it can be found at elevations from 500 - 1,750 metres. It is not tolerant of frosts[].
This species is often difficult in cultivation[]. An easy plant to grow, it needs to be kept dry in the dormant season[]. It prefers a position in light shade[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The latex is rubbed into scarifications on the eyebrows to treat headache[].

The roots are used to ease backache and chest and rib pain[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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