The specimens of Euphorbia umbellata recorded in southern Africa might more properly belong to Euphorbia kirkii (N.E.Br.) Bruyns (synonym: Synadenium kirkii N.E.Br.)[].

Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia umbellata is a rather succulent, evergreen shrub or a small bushy tree that usually grows up to 5 metres tall, occasionally to 10 metres[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is sometimes cultivated as a greenhouse plant in temperate regions or as a garden plant in Kenya[].

Known Hazards

The plant has long been recognized as being very toxic and irritant. Contact of the latex with the skin or mucous membranes will cause a burning sensation, dermatitis and blisters. Symptoms may not be developed immediately and can be delayed for hours[].
The latex can be fatal if ingested and is also used as a fish poison[].
In Rwanda the latex is an ingredient of arrow poison[].
In Kenya and Tanzania the plant is sometimes used for criminal purposes[].

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, eastern DR Congo, ?Malawi, ?Zambia, ?Zimbabwe.

Habitat

Rocky slopes with open woodland; at elevations from 500 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A xerophytic plant that thrives on rocky hills with dry open woodland in the east African uplands, at elevations from 900- 2,100 metres, with an annual rainfall of 600 - 900mm[]. Excessive rainfall and cold conditions cause the stem to rot[].

In cultivation Euphorbia umbellata is moderately slow-growing, growing faster in warm tropical conditions with abundant rainfall. Under garden conditions at high altitudes, it can reach 3 metres in height in 5 years[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Although toxic and very caustic to the skin and mucous membranes, the latex has sometimes been used internally, particularly to deal with internal parasites. Several drops of latex from warmed leaves are taken to expel intestinal parasites and sometimes tapeworm[]. The leaf sap is also used to treat cardiac problems and excessive menstruation[].
A few drops of the latex is applied topically to warts, the latex is also applied to sores as a treatment for syphilis[]. The latex is applied to abscesses in order to mature them[].

A leaf decoction is drunk as an abortifacient[]. Leaf ash is taken in water to treat a sore throat[].
Applied externally, a leaf decoction is used in the treatment of psoriasis and impetigo; pulverized leaves are rubbed into scarifications in order to treat backache; the pulverized leaves are applied to wounds[].

A decoction of the stem bark or the latex is taken to expel a retained placenta[].

A root extract, or sap from the crushed stem, is used as ear drops to treat earache. A root preparation is used as a malaria remedy[].

The powder from dried young stems, mixed with salt, is licked to soothe cough[].

Other Uses

The latex of young stems and leaves is used for tattooing[].

The acetone extract of dried latex showed high molluscicidal activity against the freshwater snails Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus. The latex also has some acaricidal properties; in a trial in Uganda, the extract killed 62% of ticks. The latex showed significant nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne javanica infecting sunflower under greenhouse conditions[].

Propagation

Seed -
easily propagated from seed, stem cuttings and root cuttings. Fresh cuttings should be dipped in charcoal dust to stop the leaking of latex and should be planted in sand to root[].

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