African Milk Bush Euphorbia umbellata
Previously known as:
- Synadenium grantii
- Phonetic Spelling
- yoo-FOR-bee-uh um-bell-AY-tuh
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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A succulent shrub with milky latex.
This is a highly toxic plant; it may be fatal if eaten and also causes severe skin irritation.
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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Euphorbia
- Species:
- umbellata
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Sudan to Burundi and Tanzania
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Poisonous
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Flowers:
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are small and inconspicuous. They are in a small cup with a red rim of glands.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are fleshy.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- High
- Poison Symptoms:
- Immediate or delayed irritation (burning, redness, blisters, swelling) to skin and eyes following contact with milky latex. Ingestion causes irritation of lips, tongue, and throat.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Diterpine esters
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
- Stems
