Euphorbia poissonii

Euphorbia poissonii is a succulent shrub: it stores water in its flesh. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. People call it candle plant or cylindrical euphorbia. It comes from western tropical Africa; its range reaches Gabon. Its home climate has a marked dry season. It grows among rocks and on stony ground in open woodland. It also grows on rocky hills in dry savanna. People sometimes plant it near fields and villages.

The shrub grows upright and branches like a candelabrum, a branched candle stand. Its usual height is about 4–6.6 feet [1.2–2 metres]. Some plants reach 9.8 feet [3 metres]. The thick, round stems are smooth and have no hairs. Young stems are green; older ones can turn silvery grey. They hold white latex, a milky sap. Some plants have no spines. Others have short, dark spines that grow singly. These may grow only on young stems.

Large, fleshy leaves grow in groups near branch tips during growth. They are pale green, at times with a greyish base. Some look like spoons; others have a triangle shape. Their tips have a notch or a blunt end. The veins are pinnate: they branch from a central midrib. Only the midrib stands out. LLIFLE says leaves last two or three months during the rains. Useful Tropical Plants instead says the shrub is evergreen. Flowers come near the dry season's end, before new leaves. They are greenish or yellow-green. They have red stamens and five red glands. Bees and other insects visit them. The small, round fruit capsules have three lobes. They turn grey to beige as they ripen.

This plant grows slowly and suits pots and gardens in mild climates. Growers also keep it indoors and in succulent collections. Its upright stems give it value as a plant for display. Both garden sources advise light shade. LLIFLE advises a mineral potting mix that drains very well. It calls for average watering and feeding during summer growth. The plant is sensitive to cold. Useful Tropical Plants says frost harms it. Growers can raise new plants from seeds or cuttings. Fresh cuttings can rot before they root. The cut surface must heal first to avoid this.

The latex poses a grave risk despite its use in folk medicine. It can cause severe skin irritation and harm moist body tissues. Latex in the eyes can cause blindness. Swallowing it can cause fatal poisoning. People have used it to poison fish, rodents, and birds. Folk medicine also uses the latex, but this does not prove safety. No source lists known edible uses. Recorded medical uses include treating skin complaints and toothache.