Euphorbia lactea is a species of spurge native to tropical Asia, mainly in India.[3]
Euphorbia lactea | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Euphorbia |
Species: | E. lactea
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Binomial name | |
Euphorbia lactea |
It is an erect shrub growing up to 5 metres (16 ft) tall, with succulent branches 3–5 centimetres (1.2–2.0 in) diameter, ridged, with a triangular or rhombic cross-section; the ridges are spiny, with short spines up to 5 millimetres (0.20 in) long. The leaves are minute, and soon deciduous.[3] All parts of the plant contain a poisonous milky latex.[4] Common names include mottled spurge,[5] frilled fan[citation needed], elkhorn[citation needed], candelabra spurge,[5] candelabrum tree, candelabra cactus, candelabra plant, dragon bones,[5] false cactus,[5] hatrack cactus,[5] milkstripe euphorbia, mottled candlestick.
It is used medicinally in India.[6] It is widely grown as an ornamental plant, both in the tropics, and as a houseplant in temperate regions; a number of cultivars have been selected for ornamental use, notably 'Cristata' with frilled branching.[3][7]