Euphorbia candelabrum is a succulent tree with branches that are persistent from around 3 metres upwards, almost erect, rebranching to form a large, broadly rounded crown. The tree usually grows up to 12 metres tall, though specimens up to 20 metres have been recorded. The bole is up to 90cm in diameter. Leaves are only present in young plants, photosynthesis being carried out by the green, cactus-like stems. All parts of the plant exude an abundant latex if injured.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It is grown in live fences and is also used as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

The latex is very toxic and may cause blindness when it comes into contact with the eyes. It is also blistering and irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
The latex is an ingredient of arrow poison.
Fresh, pounded branches are thrown into watering holes and streams as a fish poison and to poison wild animals.
The flowers of Euphorbia candelabrum produce much nectar, but the honey causes a burning sensation in the mouth, which is intensified by drinking water.

Habitat

Dry deciduous and evergreen open wooded grasslands, on rocky slopes, sometimes on termite mounds; at elevations from sea-level up to 2,200 metres.

Cultivation Status

Ornamental, Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The latex is used in traditional medicine, even though it is very toxic and may cause blindness when it comes into contact with the eyes. It is also blistering and irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
The latex contains highly irritant ingenol diterpene esters. Ingenol and its derivatives show tumour-promoting activity, but also anti-HIV and anti-leukaemia activities. Much research is directed toward synthesis and biological evaluation of ingenol analogues and derivatives.
The latex is abortifacient and emetic. Several drops, diluted in water, are taken to treat coughs and tuberculosis.
The latex is taken in porridge as a strong purgative, and to treat HIV infections.
The latex is applied topically to treat wounds, sores and warts. It is mixed with fat and then rubbed on the body to treat malaria.
A decoction of the pith of the branches is given to women just after childbirth to expel the placenta.
The roots are boiled with chicken or meat, or with stomach fluids from a slaughtered goat or cow, and the liquid is drunk as a strong emetic to treat stomach-ache, severe constipation and infertility.
Stem ash is powdered and used to treat eye infections.

Agroforestry Uses

Cut branches are used as fencing and are planted to provide shade.
Stakes cut from this tree and planted easily take root and grow quickly; they are thus used for making fences around dwellings.
If grown as a live fence Euphorbia candelabrum needs continuous reinforcement planting.

Other Uses

The plant contains an abundant latex in all its parts. The latex contains about 12.5% rubber.
The light, durable wood is used to make roofing, tables, doors, matches, boxes, mortars, musical instruments and saddles. The trunk split into halves is hollowed and re-joined to make beehives.
The stems can be used as firewood, although the smoke is irritant.

Propagation

Seed - germinates readily if sown as son as they fall from the tree.
Cuttings root readily. They need to be stored 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.