Paper-bark euphorbia
Euphorbia guerichiana

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows 8 m high. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is dark brown, smooth and waxy and peels off in light yellow papery sheets. The young branches are long, thin and flexible. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and very small. They are 3-15 mm long by 2-5 mm wide. They are simple and vary in shape. The flowers are yellow and in clusters near the ends of short side shoots. The flowers appear when the tree has lost its leaves. The fruit is a capsule with 3 lobes. They are smooth and 6 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot dry places with a marked dry season. The dry season can be 6-11 months. It grows on rocky and sandy soils and in deserts. It grows between 5-1,850 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fresh fruit are eaten. They can also be stored for later use.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Letolagadi, Omupondoriro, Western woody euphorbia

Synonyms

Euphorbia commiphoroides Dinter; Euphorbia frutescens N. E. Br.;