Why is it called African milk tree?

Euphorbia trigona, known as the African Milk Tree (because of the milky sap contained in the stems) is an easy-care indoor plant that comes from Africa. In its natural habitat, it grows in dense, thorny thickets. It has also adapted well to indoor spaces and grows healthy and happy in apartments all over the world.

What is a milk tree called?

The African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) is native to Central Africa. It has many folk names, including candelabra cactus, cathedral cactus, friendship cactus, good luck plant. or good luck cactus (the good luck attribution is probably due to how quickly it grows, and how easily it propagates).

Where is Euphorbia Trigona from?

West Africa
Euphorbia trigona is a an easy care succulent that originates from West Africa. It makes a fascinating architectural addition to room designs, with it’s upright stems and ridges of short-lived leaves and thorns.

What is African milk tree used for?

In its natural habitat, African Milk Tree (aka: Abyssinian Euphorbia) has a variety of landscaping and gardening uses. In the United States and other areas, it is grown as an indoor plant and used as an attractive addition to cactus and succulent gardens in warmer areas.

What kind of SAP does African milk tree have?

The African Milk Tree is a member of the genus Euphorbia and part of the Euphorbiaceae family. All of these plants exude a white sap when cut or broken. This is a sticky latex, often toxic or irritating to the skin (most cacti have clear sap, rarely irritating to the skin).

What kind of cactus grows on African milk tree?

Also known as African milk bush, friendship cactus and candelabra cactus, Euphorbia trigona is not a tree, bush or cactus. While the succulent African milk tree grows successfully in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 and 9 with winter protection, it thrives best in zones 10 through 12.

How tall does an African milk tree grow?

The African Milk Tree is long-lived and can grow very vigorously, up to two feet a year in height, to a total of eight feet tall. It is fairly easy to propagate also, similar to a cactus, where one simply breaks off one of the “arms” and roots in potting medium.

Is the African milk tree toxic to humans?

The milky white sap responsible for this plant’s common name is also a skin irritant, as well as an oral toxin, so handle the plant carefully and wear gloves. All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested. African milk tree propagates easily.