Euphorbia abyssinica
Euphorbiaceae FAMILY

Euphorbia abyssinica

Euphorbia abyssinica

Edibility
0/5
Medicinal
2/5

Safety & 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[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].

Botanical Description

Euphorbia abyssinica is a spiny, succulent, evergreen tree with branches that are usually erect, persistent, forming a dense broadly obconical crown; it can grow up to 9 metres tall. The bole is short and stout[ 328 Title African Flowering Plants Database Publication Author Website http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/recherche.php Publisher Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques. Year 0 ISBN Description Contains information on over 150,000 plant names (including synonyms) giving a description and habitat, plus a distribution map. , 500 Title Flora of Somalia Publication Author Thulin M. (Editor) Publisher Kew Publishing, London. Year 1993 ISBN Description Detailed information on the plants of the region, often adding notes on the plants uses. ]. The tree is mainly leafless, photosynthesis being carried out by the green, spiny, somewhat cactus-like stems. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental[ 423 Title Desert Tropicals Publication Author Website http://www.desert-tropicals.com/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical
Native RangeTropical Africa - Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia.
HabitatSteep rocky hillsides; sometimes forming pure stands, often around churches; locally abundant or common at elevations from 840 - 2,400 metres[ 328 Title African Flowering Plants Database Publication Author Website http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/recherche.php Publisher Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques. Year 0 ISBN Description Contains information on over 150,000 plant names (including synonyms) giving a description and habitat, plus a distribution map. ].