Euphorbia ingens - 10 Seed Pack - Indigenous Medicinal Succulent Tree - Combined Shipping - NEW

Euphorbia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Consisting of 2008 species, Euphorbia is the fourth largest genus of flowering plants. The family is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and the Americas, but also in temperate zones worldwide. Succulent species originate mostly from Africa, the Americas and Madagascar. The common name "spurge" derives from the Middle English/Old French espurge ("to purge"), due to the use of the plant's sap as a medicinal purgative. The plants are annual or perennial herbs, woody shrubs or trees with a caustic, poisonous milky sap (latex). 

In the genus Euphorbia, succulence in the species has often evolved divergently and to differing degrees. Sometimes it is difficult to decide, and it is a question of interpretation, whether or not a species is really succulent or "only" xerophytic. In some cases, especially with geophytes, plants closely related to the succulents are normal herbs.

About 850 species are succulent in the strictest sense. If one includes slightly succulent and xerophytic species, this figure rises to about 1000, representing about 45% of all Euphorbia species. Smaller Euphorbias make excellent potted plants while larger species are valuable landscaping plants.

Euphorbia ingens commonly known as The Common Tree Euphorbia is a beautiful wonderful plant that grows fairly quickly because it is not a cactus but more of a succulent. If you are looking for a low maintenance addition to a rockery or succulent garden this large cactus-like tree is ideal. It is well suited to dry areas and is very attractive with its dark green trunk, yellow to yellow-green flowers and dark red to purple fruits. If correctly applied, it can be medicinally used as a purgative or for the treatment of ulcers. It is said to be used by the Venda and Sotho people as a treatment for cancer.