Fleshy spurge, Hedge Euphorbia, Oleander spurge
Euphorbia neriifolia
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
Euphorbia neriifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 4
Where it is found
The plant is only known in cultivation.
E. Asia - S. China, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, New Guinea.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Haiti, Hawaii, India*, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, USA, Vietnam.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw or cooked. When boiled with syrup, the leaves and slices of the branches can be made into sweetmeats.
Medicine
Rating: 2
A latex obtained from the plant is diuretic, purgative, rubefacient and vermifuge. It is used in the treatment of asthma. A syrup consisting of equal parts of the latex of this plant with a simple syrup; administered in doses of 10 - 20 drops three times a day; has been found to relieve asthma attacks completely. The latex is applied externally on haemorrhoids; is used to relieve sore throat and cracked lips; to treat gonorrhoea; and also to remove warts and cutaneous eruptions. The bark has been used as a strong purgative. The root is considered antiseptic. Mixed with black pepper, it is employed in the treatment of snake bites both internally and externally. The leaves are diuretic. The leaves are heated, squeezed, and the sap taken, sometimes with salt, to treat asthma; wheezing in babies; colds; and stomach upset. The leaves are also used to treat fevers, coughs and colds, and diabetes. Applied externally, the sap is used to treat infected nails and to relieve earaches. The plant has been shown to contain terpenes, anthocyanins, alcohols and steroids.
Other
Rating: 2
Agroforestry Uses: A prickly plant, easily propagated by cuttings, it is sometimes grown as a live fence or hegde where it can keep out livestock. Other Uses: A latex is obtained from the plant. It is smeared onto cuts made by tappers in the bark of Borassus flabellifer, in order to prevent attacks by red weevil. The nicely figured and aromatic wood is used for small objects such as knife handles.
Agroforestry Services: Living fence: Simply managed rows of shrubs and trees.
Management: Coppice: Cut to the ground repeatedly - resprouting vigorously. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.
Minor Global Crop: These crops are already grown or traded around the world, but on a smaller scale than the global perennial staple and industrial crops, The annual value of a minor global crop is under $1 billion US. Examples include shea, carob, Brazil nuts and fibers such as ramie and sisal.
Agroforestry Services: Living fence: Simply managed rows of shrubs and trees.
Management: Coppice: Cut to the ground repeatedly - resprouting vigorously. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.
Minor Global Crop: These crops are already grown or traded around the world, but on a smaller scale than the global perennial staple and industrial crops, The annual value of a minor global crop is under $1 billion US. Examples include shea, carob, Brazil nuts and fibers such as ramie and sisal.
Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.
How it is grown
Prefers a positition in full sun, but also succeeds in light shade. Requires a well-drained soil, growing well in dry, often rocky places. The plant flowers intermittantly throughout the year.
Propagating it: Seed - Cuttings. They need to be allowed to dry for a few days before being potted up in the rooting medium.
Best place to grow:
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 10-12
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry
Things to keep in mind
The plant is poisonous and skin contact with the sap can cause blistering. The leaves and roots have been used as a fish poison.
Its other names
Local names
Akujemudu, Gangichu, Hiju, Hildaona, Ilai-kalli, Illakalli, Mansasij, Mingut, Minguta, Neyadunga, Pattonkisend, Sehund, Shazaung-myin-na, Snuhi, Ta-zaung, Thohar, Thor, Toora, Tuaria, Yalekalli, Zizaung. Indian Spurge Tree, Oleander Spurge, Dog's Tongue, Common Milk-hedge, Hedge Euphorbia, Oleander Spurge, Oleander Leafed Euphorbia, Milkbush, Holy Milk Hedge, Hedge Euphorbia. HINDI: Thor, Patton ki send. KANNADA: Yelekalli. MARATHI: Neya-dungra. RUSSIAN (_______): _______ _______________. SWEDISH (Svenska): Oleandereuforbia
Synonyms
Elaeophorbia neriifolia (L.) A.Chev. Euphorbia edulis Lour. Euphorbia ligularia Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. Euphorbia pentagona Blanco Euphorbia pentagona Noronha Tithymalus edulis (Lour.) H.Karst.