About Euphorbia damarana L.C.Leach
Euphorbia damarana L.C.Leach, commonly called Damara milk-bush, is known locally as melkbos. It is a flowering plant species native to Namibia. This plant is considered one of the most toxic plants in Namibia, though no specific studies on its toxicity are currently known. It is reported that the plant’s toxic milky latex can kill both animals and humans, with the exception of rhinos and oryx, which feed on the plant. Contact between this plant and an open wound is reported to potentially cause fatal poisoning. There is also an account linking this plant to the deaths of 11 Oshiwambo-speaking miners at the Uis Tin Mine, who died after eating food cooked over a fire made with Euphorbia damarana wood. One documented use of the plant is adding its latex to watering holes to poison game that drink from the contaminated water, allowing people to catch the game. The plant’s toxic latex is highly irritating to human skin and mucous membranes.
