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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 with toxic milky latex.

 

 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Euphorbia.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Rubra'
    leathery, fleshy obovate, red leaves, finely toothed margins, occasional red flowers
'Rubra'
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#succulent#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Rubra'
    leathery, fleshy obovate, red leaves, finely toothed margins, occasional red flowers
'Rubra'
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#succulent#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant
  • 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