About Euphorbia lactea Haw.
Euphorbia lactea Haw. is an erect shrub that can reach up to 5 metres (16 ft) in height. It produces succulent branches 3–5 centimetres (1.2–2.0 in) in diameter. The branches are ridged and have a triangular or rhombic cross-section; the ridges bear short, permanent spines that grow up to 5 millimetres (0.20 in) long. Its leaves are small and deciduous, dropping off shortly after emerging. All parts of this plant produce a poisonous milky latex that contains several irritating alkaloids, including phorbol. In India, Euphorbia lactea Haw. is used for medicinal purposes. It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental plant: it is grown outdoors in the tropics, and kept as a houseplant in temperate regions. A number of ornamental cultivars have been selected for cultivation, most notably 'Cristata', which has frilled branching.
