Euphorbia candelabrum
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.
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli is an unarmed, succulent shrub or small tree usually growing from 4 - 12 metres tall with some specimens up to 15 metres.
It has brittle, succulent branchlets around 7mm thick, with white to yellowish latex.
The plant only has a few, small, deciduous leaves towards the tips of the branches, photosynthesis being carried out mainly by the green stems.
Although poisonous, the plant is commonly harvested from the wild for a wide range of medicinal uses, and also provides several other commodities. It is widely planted for use as a hedge and has long been used in agroforestry systems in east Africa. This is a low-input plant that has high drought and salinity stress tolerance and can be grown on land that is not generally suitable for crops. It has the potential to provide semi-arid zone inhabitants with an energy solution in the form of a biomass that can be converted to gaseous, liquid or solid biofuels.
This is an ideal species for agroforestry, offering little shade and having many other uses. It is also widely planted for ornamental purposes.
The species is present in all the tropical parts of the world and is common throughout its range. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2013).
Ficus ingens
Red-leaved fig is a semi-deciduous shrub or a tree with a rounded, spreading crown; it can grow up to 13 metres tall.
The bole is short, with large buttresses, and can be around 40cm in diameter.
The plant sometimes begins life as an epiphyte, growing in the branch of another tree; as it grows older it sends down aerial roots which, when they reach the ground quickly form roots and become much thicker and more vigorous. They supply nutrients to the fig, allowing it to grow faster than the host tree. The aerial roots gradually encircle the host tree, preventing its main trunk from expanding, whilst at the same time the foliage smothers the foliage of the host. Eventually the host dies, leaving the fig to carry on growing without competition.
The edible fruit is gathered from the wild for local consumption. The plant is sometimes grown as a bonsai or container plant, being valued especially for the red colour of its new leaves.
Ficus lutea
Dahomey rubber tree is a briefly deciduous tree with enormous spreading branches; it usually grows about 15 - 20 metres tall. The bole is often short and buttressed; it can have a girth of around 3 metres.
The plant often begins life as an epiphyte, growing in the branch of another tree; as it grows older it sends down aerial roots which, when they reach the ground quickly form roots and become much thicker and more vigorous. They supply nutrients to the fig, allowing it to grow faster than the host tree. The aerial roots gradually encircle the host tree, preventing its main trunk from expanding, whilst at the same time the foliage smothers the foliage of the host. Eventually the host dies, leaving the fig to carry on growing without competition.
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of medicines, fibres, dyes, latex and potash. It is cultivated in parts of Africa for the bast fibres obtained from the bark (the var. Textilis is usually grown).
It is also planted in the villages as shade tree and often grown as an ornamental.
Plantations have been established in Florida and SE Asia for the production of latex, which is valued in the pharmaceutical industry.
Ficus nymphaeifolia
Ficus nymphaeifolia is a tree growing up to 35 metres tall. It often starts life as an epiphyte in the branch of a tree and can eventually send down aerial roots that, once they reach the ground, provide extra nutrients that help the plant grow more vigorously. These aerial roots can completely encircle the trunk of the host tree, constricting its growth - this, coupled with the more vigorous top growth, can lead to the fig outcompeting and killing the tree in which it is growing.
Ficus scassellatii
Ficus scassellatii is a tree that grows up to 20 metres tall in the north of its range, but can reach up to 50 metres in other areas. Buttresses are often present in old specimens.
It often starts life as an epiphyte in the branch of a tree and can eventually send down aerial roots that, once they reach the ground, provide extra nutrients that help the plant grow more vigorously. These aerial roots can completely encircle the trunk of the host tree, constricting its growth - this, coupled with the more vigorous top growth, can lead to the fig outcompeting and killing the tree in which it is growing.
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre. It is planted for amenity value and to provide shade.
Ficus sur
Bush fig is a briefly deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall, though in the drier parts of its range it is more likely to be less than 10 metres. It has a massive, spreading crown, with white latex present in all aerial parts. The bole is up to 150 cm in diameter, sometimes with buttresses.
A multipurpose tree, it is harvested from the wild for its many uses. The tree is often left standing when land is cleared and is also sometimes cultivated as a shade tree and in hedges, and is grown as an ornamental. Magical properties are often ascribed to the tree and it is a symbol of fertility. In Uganda, the leaves are made into good-luck charms.
Grewia glandulosa
Grewia glandulosa is a deciduous shrub or tree growing up to 7.5 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre.
Guilandina bonduc
Guilandina bonduc is a climbing plant with stems up to 15 metres long that are usually armed with robust prickles.
The plant is commonly used as a medicinal herb in the areas where it grows, being mainly harvested from the wild.
The seeds are often sold in local markets.
The plant is occasionally cultivated for its seed oil.
