Fleshy spurge, Hedge Euphorbia, Oleander spurge
Euphorbia neriifolia

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A large succulent plant. It grows 6 m tall and spreads 1.2 m wide. It is erect and with thick stems. The stems are roughly 5 cornered and with lumps along them. The stems occur in rings. The leaves are spoon shaped. They are leathery. The leaves produced raised scars along the stem after they have fallen off. The leaves are bunched towards the ends of the branches. The flowers are in heads with yellowish-green bracts.

There are about 2000 Euphorbia species. Most Euphorbias have sap which irritates the skin. The sap has been used as a fish poison.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in dry rocky sites. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Hawaii, India (country/location of origin), Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Thailand, Trinidad-Tobago, USA, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

Caution: All Euphorbias or spurges have irritating sap and many have chemicals that can cause cancer. A sweetmeat is made from the leaves. They are boiled with sugar and the latex removed. The stems are used for a tonic soup.

In Papua New Guinea plants are grown around villages.

Edible parts

Leaves, stems

How it is grown

It is grown as a hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Akujemudu, Gangichu, Hiju, Hildaona, Ilai-kalli, Illakalli, K li ma, Long gua, Mansasij, Mingut, Minguta, Neyadunga, Pattonkisend, Sehund, Shazaung-myin-na, Si lei bo dong, Snuhi, Ta-zaung, Thohar, Thor, Toora, Tuaria, Yalekalli, Zizaung

Synonyms

Elaeophorbia neriifolia (L.) A. Chev.; Euphorbia edulis Lour.; Euphorbia ligularia Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham.; and others