Family | Euphorbiaceae |
Binomial Name | Euphorbia ingens |
Common Name(s) | Candelabra Tree (English); naboom, gewone naboom (Afr.); mohlohlokgomo, mokgoto (Northern Sotho); unHlonhlo (Sw); Nkondze, Nkonde (Tswana). |
Plant Information |
Widely distributed in the savanna biomes of Africa – Kenya, Swaziland, KwaZulu-Natal etc. Becomes a large tree with a massively branched crown. Can reach 30 to 40 feet tall in its native environment and other tropical areas where it is grown.Sometimes used in Africa as a living fence and a fish poison. Its small yellow, inconspicuous flowers attractive to butterflies and other insects. The fruit and seeds are consumed by wildlife and the trees are a preferred nesting site for many bird species.Easy to grow and a very durable house plant – can be kept indoors throughout the winter even under low light. Avoid watering when kept under these conditions. When outdoor temperatures warm and there is no danger of frost the plant can be moved outdoors transitioning slowly from shaded areas to full sunlight to reduce likelihood of sunscald. Highly drought resistant. Grow in well draining soil and allow drying out completely between waterings. Warning: all parts of this plant are poisonous as are aerosols and smoke that may be generated from cutting or burning it. The white latex like sap can be highly irritating to the skin and may cause blistering and blindness if it gets in the eyes. |
CITES Status | Listed in Appendix II. Not endangered or threatened. |