Euphorbia scordiifolia
Euphorbia scordiifolia, commonly known as the African Milk Bush, is a striking succulent native to South Africa. Characterized by its unique, geometric, leaf-less stems, this resilient plant is prized in ornamental gardening. Beyond its visual appeal, it holds traditional significance in various medicinal practices for its bioactive properties.
- Scientific name: Euphorbia scordiifolia
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is categorized within the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Ultimately, it is classified under the genus Euphorbia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Euphorbia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Euphorbia scordiifolia, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the African milk bush, while in Spanish, it is commonly called euforbia scordiifolia. In Portuguese, the plant is known as euforbia scordiifolia, and in French, it is identified as euphorbia scordiifolia.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated primarily across the North African region. Within Northern Africa, its presence is documented in Algeria, Egypt, and Western Sahara. Additionally, the species extends its range into the Macaronesian islands. This includes populations found on the Canary Islands as well as in Cape Verde. Together, these locations define the natural habitat where the species can be located.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known commonly as the African milk bush, is primarily valued for its medicinal properties found within its aerial parts. These above-ground structures consist of thick, succulent, grayish-green stems that are often characterized by a distinct, wavy or "scalloped" appearance. Because the plant stores moisture in these fleshy aerial segments, it is highly adapted to arid environments, and it is from these specialized tissues that the milky, caustic latex is harvested for various traditional applications.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |