Euphorbia lactea

Euphorbia lactea is a species of spurge native to arid and subtropical regions of South Asia, mainly the Indian Subcontinent. It is an erect shrub growing up to 5 m tall, with succulent branches 3 - 5 cm diameter, ridged, with a triangular or rhombic cross-section; the ridges are spiny, with short, permanent spines up to 5 mm long. The leaves are minute, and soon deciduous. All parts of the plant contain a poisonous milky latex, containing several irritating alkaloids, such as phorbol. Common names include mottled spurge, frilled fan, elkhorn, candelabra spurge, candelabrum tree, candelabra cactus, candelabra plant, dragon bones, false cactus, hatrack cactus, milkstripe euphorbia, mottled candlestick.



It is used medicinally in India. 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.