African Milk Bush Euphorbia umbellata
Previously known as:
- Euphorbia pseudograntii
- Synadenium grantii
- Synadenium umbellatum
- Phonetic Spelling
- yoo-FOR-bee-uh um-bell-AY-tuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
A succulent shrub in the euphorbia family (Euphorbiaceae) native to tropical Africa.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Rubra'
leathery, fleshy obovate, red leaves, finely toothed margins, occasional red flowers
- 'Rubra'
- 'Rubra'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Rubra'
leathery, fleshy obovate, red leaves, finely toothed margins, occasional red flowers
- 'Rubra'
- 'Rubra'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Euphorbia
- Species:
- umbellata
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Sudan to Burundi and Tanzania
- Distribution:
- Native to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaire. Introduced to Bangladesh and India.
- Play Value:
- Wind Break
- Dimensions:
- Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 16 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Succulent
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Petals:
- Bracts
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are small, green to yellowish-green and inconspicuous. They are in a small cup with a red rim of glands. Purplish bracts protect the flowers.
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Oblanceolate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are fleshy, alternate, oblanceolate, spirally arranged, and dark green on the upper surface and paler beneath.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Hedge
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Humidity
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
-
-
Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- The milky white latex sap found in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. If contact with the eyes occurs the sap can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea. If eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa. Avoid ingesting plant parts and keep plants away from pets and children.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Diterpine esters
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
- Stems
