Naboom
Euphorbia tetragona
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
Euphorbia tetragona is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Not known
S. Africa - Cape Province
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The flowers are rich in nectar and this is sometimes used in confectionery.
Nectar: produced in such abundance by some flowers that it can be harvested fairly easily.
Medicine
Rating: 1
One report says that this species also supplies the drug, though it fails to say what the drug is or its medicinal actions.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating: 2
Wildlife - The flowers are rich in nectar. Dynamic accumulator.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
How it is grown
Prefers a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position. Succeeds in dry soils. This species is hardy to climatic zone 7 (tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c). This statement must be viewed with some scepticism, the plant is unlikely to be at all frost-tolerant. Hybridizes with other members of this genus. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a shaded position in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature.