|
Candelabra Tree
Euphorbia ingens
- This tree is usually found near rocky outcrops,
in wooded grassland and scrub thickets.
- The flowers are yellowing greenish in colour,
found at the end of the branches.
- The fruits are three lobed capsules.
- The bark is smooth in appearance.
- This species is said to be the most poisonous
of the Euphoria's.
- The latex of this tree gives off a strong acid
like smell.
- If latex comes into contact with the skin, it
causes a lot of irritation, if you stand to close to a tree that is
bleeding, one feels a burning sensation at the back of the throat, due
to the potent latex.
- Bits of the tree branches were used to kill
fish in isolated pools, which could be eaten after gutted.
- Care should be taken if one needs to handle
bits of this tree.
- The Zulu would boil bits of the tree in water;
the left over plant matter would be drained and used as powerful glue
to join assagai heads to their shafts.
- This same substance was placed on branches of
trees to catch birds unfortunate enough to land on this patch.
The latex of this tree can also cause blindness.
|
|
