African Milkbush (Euphorbia tirucalli)

Family: Euphorbiaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Other common names include Pencil Cactus, Milk Bush, Pencil Euphorbia, and Rubber Hedge Euphorbia. Euphorbia tirucalli or commonly known as African Milkbush is a succulent shrub or small tree about 12 m in height. It has high toxicity but is harvested from the wild for medicinal purposes. Young branches can be roasted then chewed to relieve sore throat while the ash from burning the branches can be used against cough and open abscesses.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Possible? but currently no data. — Possible? but currently no data.

Habitat & North American Range

Normally found in dry bushland thickets and naturalizes easily in brushwood, open woodland and grassland at elevations up to 2,000 metres. (Zone 9)