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Euphorbiaceae
African Milk Bush Flower
Euphorbia umbellata
Endurance and persistence.
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus
- Euphorbia
- Native to
- Tropical Africa
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- succulent shrub
- Height
- 5-10 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained, sandy soil
- Water
- low
- Hardiness
- 10-12
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The milky white latex sap is highly irritating to skin and eyes and was traditionally used as a fish poison in Africa.
- Despite the common name, it is not related to true bushes but is a succulent member of the spurge family.
- The tiny flowers are arranged in a structure called a cyathium, unique to the Euphorbia genus, which mimics a single flower.
- Recent research has investigated compounds from the latex for potential anti-cancer and antiviral properties.
- It can survive extreme heat and prolonged drought by storing water in its thick stems and reducing leaf surface area.
Color meanings
0
inner strength
1
protection