Common Name: Milk Bush
Latin Name: Euphorbia tirucalli
Family Name: Euphorbiaceae
Geographical Range: Native to Africa, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of southern and eastern Africa.
Fun Fact: The Milk Bush gets its name from the white, milky sap it produces when cut or broken. This sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation and eye injury if handled improperly.
Uses by people: In traditional medicine, the sap has been used in small, controlled amounts for various ailments, though its toxicity limits its use. It is also sometimes used as a natural fence or barrier due to its dense growth and toxicity, which deters animals. Additionally, there is some interest in its potential as a biofuel source because of its high latex content.
Uses by animals: While the toxic sap deters most animals, some herbivores have adapted to tolerate or avoid the sap and may feed on the plant during times of scarcity.
Roles in their ecosystem: Contributes to its ecosystem by supporting certain specialized pollinators with its flowers. Its dense growth provides shelter for small animals and insects, and its deep root system helps stabilize the soil, reducing erosion in arid regions.
