Euphorbia ampliphylla
| Euphorbia ampliphylla | |
|---|---|
| At Jardin botanique de Lyon | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. ampliphylla
|
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia ampliphylla | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Euphorbia ampliphylla (also called Euphorbia winklerii and Euphorbia obovalifolia) is a succulent rainforest tree of the montane rainforests throughout East Africa and belonging to the Spurge Family (Euphorbiaceae). The branches are each about eight inches (20 centimeters) in diameter and are succulent and three-winged and pachycaulous. Like most euphorbs, it has milky white sap. The toxicity of many euphorbs is well known, but no specific information is available concerning E. ampliphylla. It is used locally for medical purposes.[3] It is particularly noted for two things: It is the tallest of all known succulent plants, definitely up to 98 feet (30 meters)[4] and indicated on a carefully scaled diagram as reaching 105 feet (32 meters). It is also the world's only known succulent rainforest tree.[5]
As most other succulent members of the genus Euphorbia, its trade is regulated under Appendix II of CITES.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Euphorbia ampliphylla Pax". Species+. UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
- ^ "Euphorbia ampliphylla Pax". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
- ^ "Useful Tropical Plants - Euphorbia ampliphylla". July 20, 2022. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Brenan, J.P.M.; Greenway, P.J. (1949). Check-lists of the Forest Trees and Shrubs of the British Empire #5 - Tanganyika Territory. Oxford, England: Imperial Forestry Institute. p. 214 (part 2).
- ^ Hargreave, Bruce. "Euphorbia ingens in Malawi ...etc". The Euphorbia Journal. 7 (1): 63 & 68 (scaled diagram).