About Euphorbia virosa Willd.
Euphorbia virosa, commonly called Gifboom or poison tree, is a member of the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. It has a short, usually twisted main stem that produces 5 to 10 centimeter long branches. These leafless branches have 5 to 8 edges, with paired thorns growing at regularly spaced intervals along these edges. This species is commonly distributed from the Orange River in South Africa to southern Angola, and is found across the Namib Desert, growing mainly on rocky slopes. The branches of this plant hold a milky creamy substance that has carcinogenic properties. This substance is highly toxic, and San (Bushmen) use it to coat the tips of their hunting arrows. Contact with the substance causes skin irritation, and exposure to the eyes can lead to blindness.
