Euphorbia is a genus in the family Euphorbiaceae. Consisting of 2008 species, Euphorbia is the fourth largest genus of flowering plants. Succulent species originate mostly from Africa, the Americas and Madagascar. The common name “spurge” derives from the Middle English/Old French espurge (“to purge”), due to the use of the plant’s sap as a medicinal purgative. The plants are annual or perennial herbs, woody shrubs or trees. Smaller Euphorbias make excellent potted plants while larger species are valuable landscaping plants.

Euphorbia ingens commonly known as The Common Tree Euphorbia is a beautiful wonderful plant that grows fairly quickly because it is not a cactus but more of a succulent. If you are looking for a low maintenance addition to a rockery or succulent garden this large cactus-like tree is ideal. It is well suited to dry areas and is very attractive with its dark green trunk, yellow to yellow-green flowers and dark red to purple fruits. If correctly applied, it can be medicinally used as a purgative or for the treatment of ulcers. It is said to be used by the Venda and Sotho people as a treatment for cancer.